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

The Grand Lama of the Lamasery is, at the same time, sovereign of the district. 

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

They dispatched to Tchogortan a Grand Lama and twenty students of the Faculty of Prayers, charged with the task of preserving the locality from any unpleasant occurrence. 

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

The Mongol Grand Lama is charged with the administration, good order, and executive of the Lamasery; he governs whilst his colleague is content to reign. 

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)