Sheikh

Sheikh (Arab., 'elder,' 'aged person'), a title applied to the chieftain of an Arab tribe, to the principal preacher in a Mohammedan mosque, to the head of a religious order, and to a learned man or a reputed saint of Islam. The Sheikh ul-Islam at Constantinople is the head of the Mohammedan church; he is possessed of very great influence and power (see MUFTI). Sheikh al-Jebel (Old Man of the Mountain) was the name of the chief of the Assassins (q.v.).