chieftain

noun chief·tain \ˈchēf-tən\

: a leader of a tribe or clan

Full Definition of CHIEFTAIN

: a chief especially of a band, tribe, or clan

— chief·tain·ship \-ˌship\ noun

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Middle English chieftaine, from Anglo-French chevetain, from Late Latin capitaneus chief — more at captain

First Known Use: 14th century

CHIEFTAIN Defined for Kids

noun chief·tain \ˈchēf-tən\

: a chief especially of a band, tribe, or clan

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