Definition of "Sheikh"

The Makaddam of Dhaboot, Sheikh Awadth, is a fine-looking old man, and seemed much gratified at the recognition by Government of his kindness to the sailors. Two of the headmen of Nishton, Sheikhs Muhammad and Moosa, who happened to be here, received their presents at the same time as Sheikh Awadth.

1885, Report on the Administration of the Persian Gulf Political Residency and Muscat Political Agency for 1884-85 (Selections from the Records of the Government of India, Foreign Department; No. CCVII), Calcutta: […] [T]he Superintendent of Government Printing, India, page 20