vizier

American  

[vi-zeer, viz-yer] / vɪˈzɪər, ˈvɪz yər /

Or vizir

noun

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

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vizier British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• vizierate noun
• vizierial adjective
• viziership noun

Etymology

Origin of vizier

1555–65; < Turkish vezīr < Arabic wazīr

Example Sentences

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

“The omen is favourable,” said the vizier, lifting his eyes.

From The Sirdar's Oath A Tale of the North-West Frontier by Mitford, Bertram