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

There, beneath a canopy and seated upon a throne whose arms were carved lions, attended by the Kuchar Khanpo and the Solen-chenpo—state officials—was his Holiness, S�kya-m�ni, the Grand Lama of Tibet.

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

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

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

Talé, in Thibetian, means sea, and the appellation has been applied to the Grand Lama of Thibet, because this personage is locally supposed to be a sea of wisdom and power.

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