1. Plural of bashaw; high-ranking Ottoman officials or governors; also used historically to refer to any powerful or arrogant official.
Usage: archaic; historical; often used figuratively to describe pompous or domineering leaders

Examples

• The bashaws of the Ottoman Empire wielded considerable power over their provinces.
• The local bashaws demanded tribute from the merchants in the marketplace.
• He acted like one of the bashaws, ordering everyone around without regard for their opinions.
• The bashaws gathered to discuss matters of state and imperial policy.
• In the novel, the bashaws represented the corrupt ruling class of the empire.