(a) in Talmudic times, the head of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court; (b) in later generations, the civil and/or spiritual head of the Jewish community at large
In Biblical times, the head of any one of the Twelve Tribes; In later generations, the civil and/or spiritual head of the Jewish community at large.
NÄśī’ (× Ö¸×©Ö´×‚×™×) is a Hebrew term meaning, roughly, "Prince", in Biblical Hebrew, or "President," in Modern Hebrew. In classical times it was the title given to the head of the Sanhedrin, the supreme court and legislative body of ancient Israel. The position was created in about 191 BCE when the Sanhedrin lost confidence in the ability of the high priests to serve as its head.