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Vizier

 - 3 dictionary results

vi⋅zier

  [vi-zeer, viz-yer]
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–noun
(formerly) a high official in certain Muslim countries and caliphates, esp. a minister of state. Compare grand vizier.
Also, vi⋅zir.

Origin:
1555–65; < Turk vezīr < Ar wazīr

Related forms:
vi⋅zier⋅ate  [vi-zeer-it, -eyt, viz-yer-it, -yuh-reyt] , vi⋅zier⋅ship, noun
vi⋅zier⋅i⋅al, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Vizier
vi·zier   (vĭ-zîr', vĭz'yər)   
n.  A high officer in a Muslim government, especially in the Ottoman Empire.

[Turkish vezir, from Arabic wazīr, burdened, minister, from 'āzara, to help, derived form of 'azara, to surround; see zr in Semitic roots or from wazara, to carry a burden; see wzr in Semitic roots.]
vi·zier'ate (vĭ-zîr'ĭt, -āt', vĭz'yər-ĭt, -yə-rāt') n., vi·zier'i·al adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

vizier 
1562, from Turk. vezir "counsellor," from Arabic wazir "viceroy," lit. "one who bears (the burden of office)," lit. "porter, carrier," from wazara "he carried." But Klein says Arabic wazir is from Avestan vicira "arbitrator, judge," and replaced Arabic katib, lit. "writer," in the sense "secretary of state."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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