Chiëf'tain

(-tin, 42), m. [O. Fr. chieftaine, chiefretain, chefetain, chefetaine, chefvetain, chevetain, chevetaine; N. Fr. capitaine, Fr. capitani, L. Lat. capitaneus, from O. Fr. chef, chief, Lat. caput, head. Cf. CAPTAIN.] A captain, leader, or commander; a chief; the head of a troop, army, or clan.

Synonyms—Chief; commander; leader; head. See CHIEF.