zaʿīm

zaʿīm, Political leader, either an officeholder or power broker. The term has been used especially in Lebanon, where it designated the power brokers of the various sectarian communities.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Laura Etheredge.
Citation Information
Article Title: zaʿīm
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 24 March 2009
Access Date: April 21, 2025