vizier

or vi·zir

[ vi-zeer, viz-yer ]

noun

1. (formerly) a high official in certain Muslim countries and caliphates, especially a minister of state. Compare grand vizier.

vizier

/ vɪˈzɪə /

noun

1. a high official in certain Muslim countries, esp in the former Ottoman Empire. Viziers served in various capacities, such as that of provincial governor or chief minister to the sultan

Derived Forms

• viˈziership, noun
• viˈzierial, adjective

Other Words From

• vi·zier·ate [vi-, zeer, -it, -eyt, viz, -yer-it, -y, uh, -reyt], vi·ziership noun
• vi·zieri·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vizier¹

1555–65; < Turkish vezīr < Arabic wazīr

Word History and Origins

Origin of vizier¹

C16: from Turkish vezīr, from Arabic wazīr porter, from wazara to bear a burden

Example Sentences

The rebel leader was deep in converse with a richly-attired personage whom Frank discovered afterwards to be the Vizier.

From Project Gutenberg

Our last visit on this day was to the beautiful monument of the Vizier Sofdar-Dchang, which is also a mosque.

From Project Gutenberg

Battle of Maclin; a body of 70,000 Turks under the grand vizier, defeated by the Russians.

From Project Gutenberg

She did so, and bound the Vizier's arms with a scarf, which so amused the Wazir that he laughed loud and long.

From Project Gutenberg

I shall become a great emir,—vizier perhaps—no—I will better that; what may not a good sword hope with favoring start?

From Project Gutenberg