chieftain

[ cheef-tuhn, -tin ]

noun

1. the chief of a clan or a tribe.
2. a leader of a group, band, etc.:

   the robbers' chieftain.

3. Chieftain, Military. Britain's main battle tank since 1969, fitted with a 120 mm gun and two machine guns and weighing 55 tons (50 metric tons).

chieftain

/ ˈtʃiːftən; -tɪn /

noun

1. the head or leader of a tribe or clan
2. the chief of a group of people

Derived Forms

• ˈchieftaincy, noun

Other Words From

• chieftain·cy chieftain·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of chieftain¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English cheftayne, variant of chevetaine, from Old French, from Late Latin capitāneus “chief”; captain

Word History and Origins

Origin of chieftain¹

C14: from Old French chevetaine, from Late Latin capitāneus commander; see captain

Example Sentences

During the reign of King James I, nearly all agricultural land in Ulster was confiscated from native Irish chieftains and delivered to new owners, required to be English-speaking Protestants loyal to the crown.

From Salon

The Israeli military did not specify whether the Hezbollah chieftain, who last week had harshly denounced the recent Israeli attacks and vowed revenge, was a target.

From Los Angeles Times

“But I sold their chieftain’s son a wedding ring,” he said.

From Literature

Later in the war, Billy was with Washington when he met with six Delaware Indian chieftains, trying to win their alliance against the British.

From Literature

Critics say the annual meeting, which started more than half a century ago, are a preserve of business chieftains who covet greater wealth and politicians who want to stay in power.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bigwig
• boss
• tribal chief