What is a Sheik?

A sheik or shaykh (Arabic: شيخ‎ shaykh, plural شيوخ shuyūkh or مشايخ mashāyikh) is an Arabic title that literally means "elder", "chief" or "venerable".[2] It is used in the Middle East and North Africa to refer to a tribal chief, religious leaders, or a respected elder. In some cases, the title is also used to refer to a head of state or a member of the royal family.