n. [ Turk. fanar, fr. NGr. fana`ri lighthouse, Gr. fana`rion lantern; -- from a lighthouse on a point projecting into the Golden Horn. ] A quarter of Constantinople which, after the Turkish conquest of the city, became the chief Greek quarter; hence, the Greek officials of Turkey, or phanariots, as a class. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

{ n. Also . [ NGr. Fanariw`ths, fr. Phanar. See Phanar. ] One of the Greeks of Constantinople who after the Turkish conquest became powerful in clerical and other offices under Turkish patronage. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]