/ɪmɑːˈmeɪt, -ˈmeɪt/ i-MAH-mayt, i-MAH-mayt

Definitions

1. noun

The office or position of an imam, or a system of government in which authority is held by a spiritual leader, especially in Shia Islam.

“The imamate system was adopted by the Shia community to ensure the succession of their leaders.”

2. noun

A state or period during which a particular imam held power or authority.

“The first imamate of Ali ibn Abi Talib marked the beginning of a new era in Islamic history.”