sherif
Americannoun
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a governor of Mecca descended from Muhammad.
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an Arab chief, prince, or ruler.
noun
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a descendant of Mohammed through his daughter Fatima
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(formerly) the governor of Mecca
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an honorific title accorded to any Muslim ruler
Etymology
Origin of sherif
First recorded in 1590–1600, sherif is from the Arabic word sharīf “exalted (person)”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Not long after, the sherif took a straw poll.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 7, 2016
Reluctantly, the Trib shot down the sherif and later sank the frater.
From Time Magazine Archive
I married the daughter of an old sherif, and became the recognized chief of my section of the tribe.
From Time Magazine Archive
It fell upon a Wednesday The sherif on huntynge was gone, And Litel John lay in his bed, And was foriete at home.
From Ballads of Robin Hood and other Outlaws Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Fourth Series by Frank Sidgwick
He is a gentleman," replied the sherif "by nature a gentleman; and a very uncommon one, too.
From Fardorougha, The Miser The Works of William Carleton, Volume One by William Carleton
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