Imam

Webster's Dictionary

(n.) Alt. of Imaum

The Nuttall Encyclopedia

The title of the officer who leads the devotions in Mohammedan mosques, and in Turkey conducts marriage and funeral services, as well as performs the ceremonies connected with circumcision; the office was filled and the title borne by Mahomet, hence it sometimes signifies head of the faith, and is so applied to the Sultan of Turkey; good Mohammedans believe in the future advent of an Imâm—the hidden Imâm—who shall be greater than the Prophet himself.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

a name applied by way of excellence to each of the chiefs or founders of the four principal sects of the Mohammedans.