English edit

Etymology edit

Borrowed from Spanish alguacil, and then from Arabic وَزِير (wazīr, helper, aide, minister, literally one who bears (the burden of office)). Doublet of vizier.

Noun edit

guazil (plural guazils)

  1. (archaic) Synonym of vizier.
  2. (archaic) a high-ranking official or judge in a Muslim country.
    • 1667, The English Rogue, by Richard Head[1]
      This made him haste to the Guazil or Judge, to acquaint him of what had hapned; who upon information given, came to the prison in person, attended with Officers and other people: where having caused their irons to be struck off, he ordered their bodies to be dragged through the Town, and so cast in the Sea.