shaykh
1
8.9
- noun
- /ʃeɪk/
- Then, surefootedly, the Shaykh went down.
- tribal shaykh
Examples
-
In January 1989, for example, leaders from Gaza petitioned Shaykh Amin Tarif to use his good offices to bring about the departure from Gaza of Druze in the Border Police, a request that he could do nothing about.
Academic text (1993) -
In that fashion, the new government earned the support of the village shaykh and was assured of getting its taxes.
Academic text (1993) -
The traditional tribal wasta, the shaykh, was a man of honor, whose word was his bond, who would assume responsibility for his acts.
Academic text (1994) -
But I announced my wish to observe the excavation that Shaykh Jadallah was conducting in the garden.
Fiction book (2001) -
Unity plans between the Yemens will continue to be opposed by Saudi Arabia and by powerful tribal shaykhs in the north.
Academic text (1994) -
One aspect of the republican-royalist reconciliation was the first-time granting of high office and influence in the state to leading tribal shaykhs in exchange for their allegiance to the republic.
Academic text (1992) -
In the early days of the Hashemite role, Abdullah would camp among the tribes for months at a time, passing long afternoons and evenings in the guest chambers of tribal shaykhs, gossiping, playing chess, and helping settle local disputes.
Academic text (2000) -
The village shaykh organized a meeting to discuss the issues faced by the community.
-
Respect for the shaykh increased as he mediated conflicts between rival clans.
-
During the ceremony, the elders honored the shaykh for his years of dedicated leadership.
Synonyms
45
7.5
A respected older person who leads an Arab tribe or village
26
7.0
A respected man who leads an Arab family, village, or tribe
25
8.1
A Muslim ruler in parts of Africa or Arabia
17
7.9
A person who leads a group like a tribe or clan
4
4.7
A person who leads a group of people in a traditional community
1
9.2
A local ruler or chief in parts of Africa and Arabia
1
8.7
A person who leads an Arab family group or village and makes important community decisions
1
8.5
A respected elder who leads a tribe or village
1
6.7
A person who leads an Arab village, tribe, or family and has power in the community
1
9.1
A respected Muslim religious teacher and community leader
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word shaykh comes from Arabic shaykh meaning 'elder' or 'chief', and was also used for tribal leaders who head a clan or village. So a shaykh is a community leader who makes important decisions.