Grand Lama

American  

noun

1. the chief monk and ruler of Tibet: called the Dalai Lama since the middle of the 17th century.

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Grand Lama British  

noun

1. either of two high priests of Lamaism, the Dalai Lama or the Panchen Lama

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Etymology

Origin of Grand Lama

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

This was the Grand Lama himself, famed politico-religious absolute primate of Buddha.

From Time Magazine Archive

Besides this superior, there is always another Grand Lama, who is selected from the members of the royal family. 

From Travels in Tartary, Thibet, and China During the years 1844-5-6. Volume 1 [of 2] by Huc, Evariste Regis

The words and the manner of the Grand Lama were perfectly affable and kind, but there was a look in his eyes to which we could not reconcile ourselves. 

From Travels in Tartary, Thibet, and China During the years 1844-5-6. Volume 1 [of 2] by Huc, Evariste Regis

“He is a Grand Lama of the western sky,” replied the Thibetian merchant; “the power of his prayers is infinite.”

From Travels in Tartary, Thibet, and China During the years 1844-5-6 Volume 2 by Huc, Évariste Régis

The Grand Lama spoke in his thin voice to the attendants, who backed to a corridor at one side of the audience-hall and vanished, leaving Trent and Hsien Sgam alone with the Living Buddha....

From Caravans By Night A Romance of India by Hervey, Harry