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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

3 entries under this word

Chief

Chiēf, a.

adjective

(cheef), a. [O. Fr. chief, chef, head, top, chief, Sp. xefe, Pr. cap, It. capo, from Lat. caput, head.]

Sense 1. Highest in office or rank; headmost; as, a chief priest.

Among the chief rulers also many believed on him. John xii. 42.

Sense 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.

Synonyms—Principal; leading; main; first; paramount; supreme; prime; vital; especial; great; grand; eminent; master.

Chiēf, n.

noun

n. 1. The head or leader of any band or community; a commander.

  1. The principal or most important person or thing.
  2. (Her.) The upper part of the escutcheon, divided into three points, dexter, middle, and sinister. Brande.

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 as a reward for meritorious personal services. Syn.—Chieftain; commander; leader; head; principal.—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 has the pre-eminence or rule in civil matters; as, the chief of the police, the chief of an Indian tribe. A chieftain (sometimes a chief) is one who has the pre-eminence and lead in military concerns, especially among small clans or tribes. A commander is one who has the rule and authority in warlike concerns; a leader is one who takes the command and gives directions in particular enterprises. A chief needs sagacity and force of character; a chieftain requires skill and dexterity for trying emergencies; a commander should be distinguished for his foresight and energy; a leader needs a union of sagacity, penetration, and indomitable energy.

A heraldic shield with a crosshatched upper section containing a small central emblem.

Chiēf, adv.

adverb

adv. Chiefly. [Rare.] Thomson.