\U`le*ma"\, n. [Turk. & Ar. 'ulam[=a] the wise or learned
men, pl. of '[=a]lim wise, learned.] (Mohammedanism)
A college or body composed of the hierarchy (the imams,
muftis, and cadis). That of Turkey alone now has political
power; its head is the sheik ul Islam.

\U*le"ma\, n. [Ar. 'ulem[=a] the wise or learned men, pl.
of '[=a]lim 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.