alfaqui

plural alfaquis · alternative alfaki · alternative alfakih · alternative alfaquin

1. historicalAn Islamic cleric, an expert in Islamic law and jurisprudence, especially in medieval and early modern Spain.First known use 17th c.

   The Alcayde found the prince playing at chess with an Alfaqui or priest.

   1779, Henry Swinburne, Travels through Spain

   2 more examples

   It was the Head of the Christians Alfaqui, or Priest; so they termed the Cardinal.

   1632, J. Morgan, A Compleat History of the present seat of war in Africa

   The Court of Lions was thronged with guards and courtiers and alfaquis, as in the old times of the Moors […]

   1852, Washington Irving, Tales from the Alhambra