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 mirialem, an officer on purpose for the investiture of bashaws. Ba/baw, 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 emperors' sponges. We find loud complaints among Christians of their avarice and extortion. As they buy their governments, every thing is venal with them. When glutted with wealth, the emperor frequently makes them a present of a bowstring, and becomes heir to all their spoils.

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

Basil, St, the Great, one of the most learned and eloquent doctors of the church, was born at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, about the year 328; and went to finish his studies at Athens, where he contracted a strict friendship with St Gregory Nazianzen. He returned to his native country in 355, where he taught rhetoric. Some time after, he travelled into Syria, Egypt, and Libya, to visit the monasteries of these countries; and the monastic life so much suited his disposition, that upon his return home he resolved to follow it, and he was the first institutor thereof in Pontus and Cappadocia. His reputation became so great, that, upon the death of Enebius bishop of Caesarea, in 379, he was chosen his successor. It was with some difficulty that he accepted of this dignity; and no sooner was he raised to it, than the emperor Valens began to persecute him because he refused to embrace the doctrine of the Arians. Being at length let alone, he began to use his utmost endeavors to bring about a reunion betwixt the eastern and western churches, who were then much divided about some points of faith, and in regard to Meletius and Paulinus two bishops of Antiochia. But all his efforts were ineffectual, this dispute not being terminated till nine months after his death. Basil had a share in all the disputes which happened in his time in the east in regard to the doctrine of the church; and died the first of January, 379.—There have been several editions of his works in Greek and Latin. The best is that of Father Garnier, printed in Greek and Latin, in three volumes folio. St Basil's style is pure and elegant, his expressions are grand and sublime, and his thoughts noble and full of majesty. Erasmus places him among the greatest orators of antiquity.