a Turkish governor of a province, city, or other district.

A bashaw is made with the solemnity of carrying a flag or banner before him, accompanied with music and songs, by the miriamele, an officer on purpose for the investiture of bashaws. Bashaw, used absolutely, denotes the prime vizier; the rest of the denomination being distinguished by the addition of the province, city, or the like, which they have the command of; as the bashaw of Egypt, of Palestine, &c. The bashaws are the emperor's sponges. We find loud complaints among Christians of their avarice and extortions. As they buy their governments, every thing is venal with them. When glutted with wealth, the emperor frequently makes them a present of a bow string, and becomes heir to all their spoils.

The appellation bashaw is given by way of courtesy to almost every person of any figure at the grand signior's court.