or SEDRE, the high-priest of the sect of Ali among the Persians. The fedre is appointed by the emperor of Persia, who usually confers the dignity on his nearest relation. The jurisdiction of the fedre extends over all effects destined for pious purposes, over all mosques, hospitals, colleges, sepulchres, and monasteries. He disposes of all ecclesiastical employments, and nominates all the superiors of religious houses. His decisions in matters of religion are received as so many infallible oracles: he judges of all criminal matters in his own house without appeal. His authority is balanced by that of the mudschidh, or first theologian of the empire.