vizier
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of vizier
1555–65; < Turkish vezīr < Arabic wazīr
Explanation
In ancient monarchies, a vizier was a very high-ranking official. During the Ottoman Empire, the Grand Vizier was the sultan's representative in the government. A historian would tell you that the earliest viziers were the nobles who served Egyptian pharaohs as long ago as 2700 BCE. The term itself appeared much later, though — around 1570 CE. The origins of vizier go back to an Arabic word, wazir, which means "one who bears the burden of government office."
Vocabulary lists containing vizier
Ancient Egypt - Middle School and High School
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Words Relating to Islam
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Muslim Empires and the Middle East - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Abu'l Fazl, the grand vizier of the 16th Century Mughal emperor Akbar, mentions mutanjan in his writings, among dishes served at the royal table.
From BBC • Aug. 12, 2023
When the vizier arrived in Samarkand, he was greeted by the townspeople very joyfully, and all the local grandees prayed that he might reign over them for a long time.
From New York Times • May 24, 2021
But Europeans quickly transformed the "shah" to a king, the "vizier" to the queen, the "elephants" to bishops, the "horses" to knights, the "chariots" to castles and the "foot soldiers" to pawns.
From Salon • Dec. 26, 2020
Pharaoh is impressed, and Joseph is named vizier to oversee the stockpiling.
From Slate • Aug. 18, 2020
Balló raised his head with a bitter look before the wrathful vizier.
From The Slaves of the Padishah by J?kai, M?r
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
