ولی

walī(v.n. of the measure فَعِیل fr. ولی 'to be master of,' etc.), s.m. A master, lord, prince, governor; guardian (of a ward, etc.); helper, defender;—a friend, a favourite (of God, or a king); a saint (i.q. walī-ě-ḵẖudā);—a servant, slave:—walī-ě-aṣlī, s.m. A natural guardian:—walī-allāh, s.m. 'Favourite of God'; God's people;—(ironic.) a knave:—walī-ě-ḵẖudā, s.m. 'Friend or favourite of God,' a holy man, saint:—walī-`ahd, s.m. 'Successor by virtue of a covenant,' destined or acknowledged successor, heir-apparent;—a vicegerent, locum tenens:—walī-`ahd-ě-farẓī, s.m. Presumptive heir:—walī-`ahd karnā, v.t. To nominate or declare (one) a successor or heir (to a throne):—walī-`ahdī, s.f. The status of an heir-apparent; heritage;—vicegerency, deputyship:—walī-khangar, s.m. An assistant, a protector;—(ironic.) one's betters:—walī-qarīb, s.m. A near guardian:—walī-ně`mat, s.m. 'Lord of beneficence,' a benefactor, lord, master, patron; a title of respect by which a father is addressed.