n.
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French chief, chef head, chief, from Latin caput head ― more at HEAD
Date: 15th century
1 : the upper part of a heraldic field
2 : the head of a body of persons or an organization : LEADER < chief of police>
3 : the principal or most valuable part <would never rest till she had read the chief of the letter to him ― Jane Austen>
– chief · dom \ -d ə m \ noun
– chief · ship \ - ˌ ship \ noun
– in chief : in the chief position or place ― often used in titles <commander in chief >