Twelver2 Islam.
(ˈtwɛlvə(r))
[f. twelve + -er1.]
A member of the larger of the two Shiah sects (the ‘Twelvers’ and the ‘Seveners’), a follower of the twelve Imams or prophets (cf. imam 2 b, Shiah).
| 1876 R. D. Osborn Islam under Arabs ii. i. 167 The Ismailiens, like the Twelvers, make profession of an exclusive attachment to Ali and his descendants. 1934 R. Strothmann in Encycl. Islām IV. 353/2 We shall consider the main branch somewhat more fully, the Imāmīs or ‘Twelvers’. 1979 Sunday Tel. (Colour Suppl.) 27 May 25/4 In Iran the Shias are divided essentially into two sects, the Twelvers and the Seveners. |