khan 1
/kahn, kan/ , n.
1. (in the Altaic group of languages) a title held by hereditary rulers or tribal chiefs.
2. the supreme ruler of the Tatar tribes, as well as emperor of China, during the Middle Ages: a descendant of Genghis Khan.
3. a title of respect used in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and other countries of Asia.
[ 1350-1400; ME Ca ( a ) n, Chan Khan, appar. contr. of Khagan, equiv. to Turk kagan ruler ]
khan 2
/kahn, kan/ , n.
an inn or caravansary.
[ 1350-1400; alchan al the + khan ) ]