Definition of "chieftain" []

• The leader or head of a group, especially of a clan or tribe. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "During these various operations – for the whole family seemed eager to show their hospitality – the old man discovered, not so much by the costliness of his garments as by the noble mien and gentle manners of the stranger, that he was some chieftain from the castle."
• "The rebel-chieftain is let go with the honors of war."
• "Whenever a chieftain was assigned, an item authenticating his rank (xinwu) was given to him by the court, symbolizing the establishment of the relationship."