society > authority > rule or government > rule or government of family or tribe > head of family, tribe, or clan > [noun] > Arab > petty sheikh
1914 G. Bell 19 Jan. (1927) I. xiii. 326 A young sheikhling of the Sikhur joined us..and spent the night with us as guests.
1974 W. Garner iv. 40 Mini-presidents and rich sheiklings seeking advice.