Chief (chēn), n. [OE.
chief, chef, OF. chief, F. chef, fr. L.
caput head, possibly akin to E. head. Cf.
Captain, Chapter] 1. The head
or leader of any body of men; a commander, as of an army; a head
man, as of a tribe, clan, or family; a person in authority who
directs the work of others; the principal actor or
agent.
2. The principal part; the most valuable
portion.
The chief of the things which should be
utterly destroyed.
1 Sam. xv. 21
3. (Her.) The upper third part of
the field. It is supposed to be composed of the dexter, sinister,
and middle chiefs.
In chief. (a) At the
head; as, a commander in chief. (b)
(Eng. Law) From the king, or sovereign; as, tenure
in chief, tenure directly from the king.
Syn. -- Chieftain; captain; general; commander; leader;
head; principal; sachem; sagamore; sheik. -- Chief,
chieftain, Commander, Leader. These words
fluctuate somewhat in their meaning according to circumstances,
but agree in the general idea of rule and authority. The term
chief is now more usually applied to one who is a head
man, leader, or commander in civil or military affairs, or holds
a hereditary or acquired rank in a tribe or clan; as, the
chief of police; the chief of an Indian tribe. A
chieftain is the chief of a clan or tribe , or a military
leader. A commander directs the movements of or has
control over a body of men, as a military or naval force. A
leader is one whom men follow, as in a political party, a
legislative body, a military or scientific expedition, etc., one
who takes the command and gives direction in particular
enterprises.
Chief, a. 1.
Highest in office or rank; principal; head.
"Chief rulers." John. xii. 42.
2. Principal or most eminent in any
quality or action; most distinguished; having most influence;
taking the lead; most important; as, the chief topic of
conversation; the chief interest of man.
3. Very intimate, near, or close.
[Obs.]
A whisperer separateth chief friends.
Prov. xvi. 28.
Syn. -- Principal; head; leading; main; paramount;
supreme; prime; vital; especial; great; grand; eminent;
master.
