or Cherif, the prince of Mecca, who is, as it were, high priest of the law, and foreign pontiff of all the Mahometans of whatever sect or country they be. See CALIPH.

The grand signior, sophis, moguls, khans of Tartary, &c. send him yearly presents, especially tapestry to cover Mahomet's tomb withal, together with a sumptuous tent for himself, and vast sums of money to provide for all the pilgrims during the 17 days of their devotion.

CHIRASCO, a strong and considerable town of Italy, in Piedmont, and capital of a territory of the same name, with a strong citadel belonging to the king of Sardinia, where he retired in 1706, during the siege of Turin. It is seated at the confluence of the rivers Sturia and Tanaro, upon a mountain. E. Long. 7. 55. N. Lat. 44. 35.