Meanings
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1
noun
a sovereign or ruler in certain Muslim countries, historically including the Ottoman Empire
The sultan received the ambassadors in the palace.
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2
noun
the title held by such a ruler
He assumed the title of sultan after uniting the territory.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Through French or Medieval Latin from Arabic sultan, 'authority, power; ruler.' The Arabic abstract noun for authority became a title for sovereigns across many Muslim states.