I. phrasal
1. feudal law
a. : of tenure or holding directly from the lord paramount, that is, in England, the king, to whom the tenure service is rendered personally
b. : by perpetual ground rent or feu-duty as distinguished from the limited lease
2. heraldry : borne on the part of the field that would be occupied by a chief
3. : in the chief position or place — often used in titles
Commander- in-Chief
II. adjective
1. : heading a staff : leading — often used in combination
editor- in-chief
2. : primary , basic , initial
evidence in chief
a fabric dutiable on its in chief value of wool