mullah

noun

1. An honorific title for a scholar of theology and sharia law.

   “Leading Republicans do not sympathize with the mullahs, do not repeat their talking points, and do not seek to appease them when they make outrageous claims about other countries.”

2. An honorific title for a mosque leader.
3. A scholar and teacher of theology and sharia law, and an issuer of fatwas.

   “In the first week of March 2018, the Shia mullah issues a fatwa prohibiting vengeance killing and requiring reconciliation.”

4. (India, slang, slur)A conservative Muslim leader or cleric, especially one who is hostile against other religions.
5. (India, broadly, slang, slur)A Muslim.
6. (Iran, dated)A low-level cleric who specializes in telling stories of Ashura, rather than teaching or issuing fatwas.
7. (Iran, dated)A low-level cleric who specializes in telling stories of Ashura, rather than teaching or issuing fatwas. See also: ruhani

verb

1. (UK, alt-of, alternative, slang, transitive)Alternative form of muller (“to beat, thrash”).

   “But I mullahed him. He may have been four inches taller but I punched him through the ropes and knocked the granny and the grandad out of him.”

   “The Sevens practice session was touch rugby, but every time Harvey got the ball, I absolutely mullahed him. I pushed him, dumped him on his arse, ran through him. Every time.”