ˌīəˈtōlə, -tälə, -tələ, ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ; ˌīə.təˈlä noun
( -s )
Etymology: Persian, literally, sign of God, from Arabic āya sign, miracle + allāh God
1. : a religious leader among Shiite Muslims — used as a title of respect especially for one who is not an imam
2. : a powerful self-righteous leader or administrator