malik
/ˈmɑːlɪk
/noun
(In parts of South Asia and the Middle East) the chief of a village or community.In Khakhi village, we meet with a group of four maliks, or village leaders....
- The tribal elders, or maliks, have already signalled their willingness to take part.
- If he is big man - a malik - he may have rocket launcher and anti-aircraft gun.
Origin
From Arabic, active participle of malaka 'possess or rule'.