Dictionary entry

Ulema

Webster's Dictionary 1913

U‐le″ma (?), n. [Ar. 'ulemā the wise or learned men, pl. of 'ālim wise, learned, fr. alima to know.] A college or corporation in Turkey composed of the hierarchy, namely, the imams, or ministers of religion, the muftis, or doctors of law, and the cadis, or administrators of justice.