n. & adj.
--n.
1. a a leader or ruler. b the head of a tribe, clan, etc.
2 the head of a department; the highest official.
3 Heraldry the upper third of a shield.
--adj. (usu. attrib.)
1. first in position, importance, influence, etc. (chief engineer).
2 prominent, leading.
Phrases and idioms:
Chief of Staff the senior staff officer of a service or command. -in-Chief supreme (Commander-in-Chief).
Derivatives:
chiefdom n.
Etymology: ME f. OF ch(i)ef ult. f. L caput head