vizier
pronunciation
How to pronounce vizier in British English:
UK [vɪˈzɪə(r)]
How to pronounce vizier in American English:
US [vɪˈzɪr]
-
- Noun:
- a high official in a Muslim government (especially in the Ottoman Empire)
Word Origin
- vizier (n.)
- also vizir, 1560s, from Turkish vezir "counsellor," from Arabic wazir "viceroy," literally "one who bears (the burden of office)," literally "porter, carrier," from wazara "he carried." But Klein says Arabic wazir is from Avestan viçira "arbitrator, judge." He also says it replaced Arabic katib, literally "writer," in the sense "secretary of state."
Example
- 1. Exalted the shepherd to the rank of grand vizier .
- 2. Oh , you 'll be a fine vizier !
- 3. The chief judge : the chief judge could be appointed by the caliph or the vizier .
- 4. She was now one of a group of oriental beauties who , in the second act of the comic opera , were paraded by the vizier before the new potentate as the treasures of his harem .
- 5. I can 't be your vizier .