E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Shi-ites (2 syl.).
Those Mahometans who do not consider the Sunna, or oral law, of any authority, but look upon it as apocryphal. They wear red turbans, and are sometimes called “Red Heads.” The Persians are Shiites. (Arabic, shiah, a sect.) (See SUNNITES.)
