Qaid is a word of various spellings, including caid and kaid, but it holds one precise meaning. Defined as a commander or leader, qaid is an old phrase that was first used in the Latin language. It adapted to more modern dialects, which is why the qaid definition is widely known today. It was often applied to palatine officials and was a title in the Norman kingdom of Sicily. As the term became more popular, other cultures adopted it. In North Africa, qaid described both wardens of prisons and governors of fortresses. Though it has a rich, diverse history, the qaid meaning has never changed.