sheik

The definition of a sheik is a leader of an Arabian family or village, or an official in the Muslim religion.

(noun)

An example of a sheik is a rich and powerful man who is the leader of an Arab tribe and who everyone in the village listens to and obeys.

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See sheik in Webster's New World College Dictionary

or sheikh

noun

  1. the chief of an Arab family, tribe, or village
  2. an official in the Muslim religious organization
  3. Origin: after E. M. Hull's novel, The Sheik (1921)

    Slang a masterful man to whom women are irresistibly attracted

Origin: Ar shaikh, lit., old man < shākha, to grow old

See sheik in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also sheikh

noun
  1. Islam
    a. A religious official.
    b. A leader of an Arab family or village.
    c. Used as a form of address for such an official or leader.
  2. sheik Slang A romantically alluring man.

Origin:

Origin: Arabic šayḫ, old man, chief

Origin: , from šāḫa, to grow old; see śyḫ in Semitic roots

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