sherif

American  

[she-reef] / ʃɛˈrif /

Also shereef;

noun

1. a governor of Mecca descended from Muhammad.

2. an Arab chief, prince, or ruler.

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sherif British  

/ ʃɛˈriːf /

noun

1. a descendant of Mohammed through his daughter Fatima

2. (formerly) the governor of Mecca

3. an honorific title accorded to any Muslim ruler

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Etymology

Origin of sherif

First recorded in 1590–1600, sherif is from the Arabic word sharīf “exalted (person)”

Example Sentences

Not long after, the sherif took a straw poll.

From The Guardian • Jan. 7, 2016

I married the daughter of an old sherif, and became the recognized chief of my section of the tribe.

From Time Magazine Archive

Reluctantly, the Trib shot down the sherif and later sank the frater.

From Time Magazine Archive

The sherif, in the height of his power, resembled a great Bedouin Sheikh, who submits to be boldly and often harshly addressed.

From Travels in Arabia; comprehending an account of those territories in Hedjaz which the Mohammedans regard as sacred by Burckhardt, John Lewis

All nyght lay the proude sherif In his breche and in his schert; No wonder it was, in grene wode, Though his sydës gan to smerte.

From Ballads of Robin Hood and other Outlaws Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Fourth Series by Sidgwick, Frank