chieftain

/ˈtʃiftən/
IPA guide

Other forms: chieftains

Definitions of chieftain
  1. noun
    the head of a tribe or clan
    synonyms: chief, headman, tribal chief
    see moresee less
    examples:
    Owen Glendower
    Welsh chieftain who led a revolt against Henry IV's rule in Wales (1359-1416)
    Hrolf
    Norse chieftain who became the first duke of Normandy (860-931)
    types:
    Indian chief, Indian chieftain
    the leader of a group of Native Americans
    pendragon
    the supreme war chief of the ancient Britons
    sachem, sagamore
    a chief of a North American tribe or confederation (especially an Algonquian chief)
    type of:
    leader
    a person who rules or guides or inspires others
  2. noun
    the leader of a group of people
    synonyms: captain
    see moresee less
    type of:
    leader
    a person who rules or guides or inspires others
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