Told to frighten Arab ruler (6)

I believe the answer is:

sheikh

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'arab ruler' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for sheikh that I've seen before include "Arab leader or prince" , "Leader of an Arab tribe, a Muslim chief" , "Leader of an Arab family" , "Weapons maker" , "Head of Arab tribe, village etc" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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