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

See Examples For:

Grand Lama

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

From Time Magazine Archive

After walking several days, haphazard, and perfectly ignorant where I was, I encountered the train of a Grand Lama who was repairing to Peking. 

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

When a Grand Lama has gone, that is to say, is dead, the circumstance is no occasion of mourning in the Lamasery. 

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

Even more, he was like the Grand Lama, almost an object of worship.

From From Egypt to Japan by Field, Henry M. (Henry Martyn)