Sheik
or SHEIKH (Arabian), an elder, a chief, the head of a Bedouin family of importance with its retainers, SHELBURNE or of a clan or tribe. When war exists, the sheiks of a region confederate together and choose one of their number as a sheik or chief. The position of Abraham with his allies, Abner and Eshcol of Mamre, much resembled that of an Arab sheik with his confederates (Gen. xiv. 13, 14). When a traveler passes through the territories of a sheik he pays for guidance and safe conduct.