rayah
/ˈrʌɪə/(also raya, raiah, rajah) Now historical
noun
A subject of the Ottoman Empire (especially a non-Muslim) who is not a member of the ruling class, and is therefore liable to pay a poll tax.
Origin
Early 18th century. From colloquial Ottoman Turkish rāyā from raʿāyā, plural of Arabic raʿīya non-Muslim tax-paying subjects of the Ottoman Empire, specifically use of raʿīya herd, flock from raʿā to pasture, feed. Compare French raïa, raja.