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