zaimhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zaim_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezaim, n.
First published 1993; not fully revised

zaimnoun

    1. a.
      1807–
      Formerly, in the feudal system of Turkey, a chief who supported a mounted militia bearing his name. Cf. timariot n. Historical.
      1. 1807
        Each of the feudal lords, whether zaïms or timariots, were enjoined by the charter by which they held their estates, to proceed to war.
        T. Thornton, Present State of Turkey v. 165
      2. a1823
        These Beys have the command over all the individuals in a certain district, who hold lands on the same tenure; the latter are called sipáhís or soldiers (seapoys), and in our books zaïms and timariots, from the different sort of estates which they hold in fee.
        Encyclopædia Metropolitana (1845) vol. XV. 509/2
      3. 1913
        The Zaims and Timariotes..were a class of country gentlemen.
        A. H. Lybyer, Government of Ottoman Empire 101
    2. b.
      1975–
      In Lebanon, a popular leader or influential figure.
      1. 1975
        A characteristically Lebanese political institution, that of the zaim (leader) and his network of co-religionist clients.
        New Society 23 October 207/2
      2. 1983
        When revolution came, it was..from the strongholds of the political godfathers—the zaʿims—Christian and Muslim, who ran the country as an extension of their personal fiefdoms.
        Listener 8 September 6/2

zaim, n. was first published in 1993; not fully revised.

zaim, n. was last modified in December 2024.