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ras

ras

9.9
A traditional Ethiopian leader like a chief or noble
  • noun
  • /rɑs/
translation icon : ras
  • The ras led his people with wisdom.

Examples

  • Many stories tell of a wise ras who brought peace to his people.

  • The ras played a crucial role in uniting the different regions of Ethiopia.

  • During the ceremony, the ras wore traditional robes and a decorated headdress.

  • In Ethiopia, a ras is often a respected leader.

  • The ras of the village was respected for his wisdom and leadership during conflicts.

  • During the ceremony, the ras addressed the community, sharing his vision for the future.

  • In historical texts, a ras often held significant power within the kingdom's hierarchy.

Synonyms

nagus
vsras
75 9.9

A title for a king in Ethiopia

is a local chief with traditional authority rather than a sovereign ruler
amir
vsras
11 9.2

A local ruler or chief in parts of Africa and Arabia

is the Ethiopian traditional chief title rather than a wider regional ruler
rais
vsras
9.9

A person who leads a community and settles disputes, often in North Africa and the Middle East

is used in Ethiopia for chiefs in historical or traditional contexts instead
naa
vsras
9.9

A female leader in some West African villages who helps make local decisions

is a general Ethiopian leader title used for chiefs regardless of gender

Surface Forms

ras singular
ras plural

Etymology

Ras comes from an old Ethiopian word meaning 'head', like the 'head' of a group, so it became a title for the chief or leader of a region in Ethiopia.