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vizier

or vi·zir

[vi-zeer, viz-yer]
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noun
  1. (formerly) a high official in certain Muslim countries and caliphates, especially a minister of state.Compare grand vizier.
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Origin of vizier

1555–65; < Turkish vezīr < Arabic wazīr
Related formsvi·zier·ate [vi-zeer-it, -eyt, viz-yer-it, -yuh-reyt] /vɪˈzɪər ɪt, -eɪt, ˈvɪz yər ɪt, -yəˌreɪt/, vi·zier·ship, nounvi·zier·i·al, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for vizierate

Historical Examples

  • The rents that ought to be paid to the Vizier of the Empire he gave to the Vizierate.

    The Works Of The Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. IX. (of 12)

    Edmund Burke

British Dictionary definitions for vizierate

vizierate

noun
  1. the position, rank, or authority of a vizier
  2. the term of office of a vizier
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vizier

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
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Derived Formsvizierial or vizirial, adjectiveviziership, noun

Word Origin

C16: from Turkish vezīr, from Arabic wazīr porter, from wazara to bear a burden
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for vizierate

vizier

n.

1560s, from Turkish vezir "counsellor," from Arabic wazir "viceroy," literally "one who bears (the burden of office)," literally "porter, carrier," from wazara "he carried." But Klein says Arabic wazir is from Avestan viçira "arbitrator, judge." He also says it replaced Arabic katib, literally "writer," in the sense "secretary of state."

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper