E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bashaw.
An arrogant, domineering man; so called from the Turkish viceroys and provincial governors, each of whom bears the title of bascha (pacha).
1
A three-tailed bashaw. A beglerbeg or prince of princes among the Turks, having a standard of three horse-tails borne before him. The next in rank is the bashaw with two tails, and then the bey, who has only one horse-tail.
