1834: sheriff, shire, and sharif Dec 23, 2019

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There is a myth among some that the word 'sheriff' either originates from or is somehow otherwise related to 'sharif', as in a Muslim ruler or magistrate. This is not true. Although the meanings are similar enough in some ways, especially including the Scottish use of the word as 'judge', it actually dates back to Old English. Indeed, the word 'scīrgerēfa' is also related to the modern 'shire', from the meaning of 'area of care, concern', and also 'reeve', as in a Medieval local official.
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