"Friend," "client," "kinsman," "patron"; in English wali most often means Muslim " saint" or "holy person."
a friend of God (a saint)
Saintly pious figure, guardian or patron. In a political context the terms can also mean administrator or ruler. ‘Waliullah' means the friend of Allah, title of Maulana ‘Ali (AS). Also ‘awliya Allah' i.e. the infallible Imaams.
a Muslim who is al-'arifu bi'llah (one who knows Allahu ta'ala and His Attributes as much as is possible)
a pious Muslim, who due to his knowledge and closeness to Allah Ta'ala, has been given a specific position
In the context of marriage or divorce, it refers to the legal guardian of a minor.
(pl awliya) a muslim saint.
legal guardian. A friend or protector. Someone who is supposed to look out for your interest.
North African for Maqam or Mazar in the Middle East and Persia respectively, depicting the tomb of saintly or pious man.
Governor general of a vilayet ( q.v.).
valí, governor of a province in a Muslim state
A ruler of a province or a big city in big Islamic empires - See Viceroy. Ar: ruler.
Wali (Arabic والي, plural Awliya' أولياء, Persian/Turkish pronunciation Vali), is an Arabic word, meaning master (or boss or owner), trusted one, or friend.