softa

Softa, sof′ta, n. a Moslem theological student, attached to a mosque.

No doubt that was written by some softa or other, for cobblers and tailors cannot write of course.

"A short cut into Paradise that would be," scornfully observed Orli, who, despite his office of softa, did not hesitate to speak disrespectfully even of Paradise, whither every true believer ought joyfully to hasten.

He could contrive to express more disgust and more grim determination in that one rudimentary act than even a Stamboul Softa can.