noun

chieftain

CHEEF-tuhn/ˈtʃiːftən/

A leader of a clan, tribe, or similar group.

The chieftain receives advice from the assembled clan members.

A historically grounded Highland clan leader receiving council beside a stone hall, plausible seventeenth-century Scottish clothing and weapons, dignified leadership not caricature, no writing.

Etymology

Latin capitaneus, 'commander,' was formed from caput, 'head.' A chieftain is thus a clan or group's head, continuing the connection between the bodily head and leadership.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain116:30

there was Prince bani the leader of the old nobility and gesco orm the merchant and between them stood Tob the chieftain of the mutinous slaves

1900s Sci-Fi Audiobook: Henry Beam Piper - Five Sci-Fi Short Stories

More examples

The clan’s chieftain negotiated the agreement.
A delegation met with the chieftain.
The account describes a respected chieftain and his followers.

Forms

chieftain · chieftains

Similar words

chief: Chief is the general leader; chieftain often identifies the head of a clan or similar community.
commander: A commander directs a force; a chieftain may have broader community authority.