bashaw

BASHAW', n. [This word is often written most absurdly pasha, both by the English and Americans. It should be written and pronounced pashaw.]

1. A title of honor in the Turkish dominions; appropriately, the title of the prime vizer, but given to viceroys or governors of provinces, and to generals and other men of distinction. The Turkish bashaws exercise an oppressive authority in their provinces. Hence,

2. A proud, tyrannical, overbearing man.