1. people in positions of authority or power, especially those who are pompous or self-important
Usage: informal; often used mockingly

Examples

• The corporate panjandrums made all the important decisions behind closed doors.
• Local panjandrums gathered at the mayor’s reception to discuss city planning.
• She grew tired of dealing with the university’s academic panjandrums.
• The panjandrums in Washington seemed out of touch with ordinary citizens.
• These self-appointed panjandrums acted as if they owned the neighborhood.
• The meeting was full of panjandrums who loved to hear themselves talk.