or SOFI, a title given to the emperor of Persia, importing as much as wise, sage, or philosopher.

The title is by some said to have taken its rise from a young shepherd named Sophi, who attained to the crown of Persia in 1370; others derive it from the sophoi or sages anciently called magi. Vossius gives a different account of the word: sophi in Arabic, he observes, signifies wool; and he adds, that it was applied by the Turks out of derision to the kings of Persia ever since Ishmael's time; because, according to their scheme of religion, he is to wear no other covering on his head but an ordinary red woollen stuff; whence the Persians are also called heddabaschis, q. d. red-heads. But Bochart assures us, that sophi in the original Persian language, signifies one that is pure in his religion, and who prefers the service of God in all things: and derives it from an order of religious called by the same name. The sophis value themselves on their illustrious extraction. They are descended in a right line from Houssein, second son of Ali, Mahomet's cousin, and Fatima, Mahomet's daughter.