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(chn), 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 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. スポンサード リンク
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