noun

chieftain

chieftain, chief, leader of a clan

The chieftain led his people into battle.

The chieftain led his people into battle.

She was a powerful chieftain of the Scottish clan.

She was a powerful chieftain of the Scottish clan.

((a/the)) chieftain the leader of a tribe or clan The chieftain of the tribe was a wise man.

Synonyms: leader, headman, ruler

From Old French 'chevetain' (captain), from Late Latin 'capitaneus' (chief), from Latin 'caput' (head).

Imagine the 'chief' of a tribe who acts as its 'captain'.

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