caliph
UK[ˈkeɪlɪf]US[ˈkeɪlɪf]
n
a title used for a Muslim ruler who was both a political and religious leader, considered a successor to the Prophet Muhammad.
Etymology
the word 'caliph' entered english in the late 14th century via old french 'caliphe', which itself was derived from arabic 'khalīfah', meaning 'successor' or 'deputy'. the arabic root is 'kh-l-f', conveying the core ideas of succession, replacement, and acting on behalf of another. originally, the term specifically denoted the successor to the prophet muhammad as the leader of the muslim community. as the title was adopted into latin and european vernaculars, its form was simplified and standardized to 'caliph', solidifying its reference to the historical and religious office of the muslim ruler in the english lexicon.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from arabic, adopted as a simplex unit into english. it does not contain separable morphemes within its english spelling.
Examples
the caliph was considered the supreme leader of the islamic empire.
the abbasid caliphate was a major islamic dynasty centered in baghdad.
the dispute over succession led to a split between supporters of different caliphs.