The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. 2002.
pharaoh
(FAIR-oh, FAY-roh) The title of the kings of ancient Egypt. In the story of Joseph and his brothers, a pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of his entire kingdom. In the Book of Exodus, a pharaoh repeatedly refuses the request of Moses to let the Israelites leave the country and does not give in until after the worst of the ten plagues of Egypt.