(n)(Islam) the man who leads prayers in a mosque; for Shiites an imam is a recognized authority on Islamic theology and law and a spiritual guide, Syn.imaum
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
{ ‖‖‖ } n. [ Ar. imām. ] 1. Among the Muslims, a minister or priest who performs the regular service of the mosque. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. A Muslim prince who, as a successor of Mohammed, unites in his person supreme spiritual and temporal power. [ 1913 Webster ]