calif

[ key-lif, kal-if ]

/ ˈkeɪ lɪf, ˈkæl ɪf /

noun

Nearby words

calicoplasty, calicotomy, caliculus, calicut, caliduct, calif, calif., califate, califont, california, california bluebell

Definition for calif (2 of 3)

caliph

or ca·lif, ka·lif, ka·liph, kha·lif

[ key-lif, kal-if ]

/ ˈkeɪ lɪf, ˈkæl ɪf /

noun

a spiritual leader of Islam, claiming succession from Muhammad.

any of the former Muslim rulers of Baghdad (until 1258) and of the Ottoman Empire (from 1571 until 1924).

Origin of caliph

1350–1400; Middle English caliphe, califfe < Middle French < Medieval Latin calipha < Arabic khalīf(a) successor (of Muhammad), derivative of khalafa succeed

Related forms

cal·iph·al

[kal-uh-fuh l, key-luh-] /ˈkæl ə fəl, ˈkeɪ lə-/, adjective

Definition for calif (3 of 3)

Calif.

California.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for calif

The calif then ordered him to fetch his father, that he might have the sire and son always near123 him.
The Blossoms of Morality|Richard Johnson
And King Marsil bids me say, thou shalt not blame him that his uncle the calif comes not too, for he is dead.
Young Folks Treasury, Volume 2 (of 12)|Various
Mills has chosen the opinion of Robertus Monachus, who states that the message of the calif was haughty and insolent.
The History of Chivalry|G. P. R. James
The calif knew not which to admire most, the generosity of Nadir or the soldier.
The Blossoms of Morality|Richard Johnson

But when the calif proposed his plan to his counselors, some of them objected to it very strenuously.
Genghis Khan, Makers of History Series|Jacob Abbott

British Dictionary definitions for calif (1 of 3)

calif

/ (ˈkeɪlɪf, ˈkæl-) /

noun

a variant spelling of caliph

British Dictionary definitions for calif (2 of 3)

Calif.

abbreviation for

California

British Dictionary definitions for calif (3 of 3)

caliph

calif, kalif or khalif

/ (ˈkeɪlɪf, ˈkæl-) /

noun

Islam the title of the successors of Mohammed as rulers of the Islamic world, later assumed by the Sultans of Turkey

Word Origin for caliph

C14: from Old French, from Arabic khalīfa successor

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012