omda
/ˈɒmdə/(also omdeh, omdah, omdda)
noun
In certain Arab countries (especially Egypt): a chief of a town or large village; an official governing a district sector.
- An omda traditionally comes under the authority of a Mamur, but governs a larger area than a sheikh. The position of an omda corresponds to that of a mukhtar elsewhere in the Middle East: compare mukhtar..
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine. From Arabic ʿumda column, support, trustworthy authority, village chief from ʿamada to support.