Also sophta. [Turk. sōfta, ad. Pers. sūḥtah lighted, set on fire (by the teacher, or by zeal for study).] In Turkey, a Moslem theological student; also generally, a pupil engaged in professional studies at a secondary school.
1613. Purchas, Pilgrimage (1614), 315. And thus haue we taken a leisurely view of the Turkish Hierarchy from the poore Softi to the courtly Cadilescher and pontifical Mufti.
1880. Menzies, Turkey Old & New, II. 249–50. The Softas, however, were angry with the Government, and threatened the Sultan with deposition.
1895. Westm. Gaz., 3 Oct., 5/1. The Softas, or Mussulman theological students.
