Definition of: chief

(chēf) noun
1. A ruler, leader, head, principal actor or agent, or principal part of anything, as of a tribe, party, army, fleet, police force, government bureau, or establishment of any kind.
2. An official superior to another or others in office or authority; one having authority.
3. One who or that which is specially eminent, esteemed, efficient, or active.
4. Her. The upper part of a shield. See illustration under ESCUTCHEON.
—adjective
1. Highest in rank or authority.
2. Principal, most important, or most eminent, in any respect.
3. Most distinguished, influential, valuable, or active.
4. Main; foremost; leading; greatest. See synonyms under FIRST, PARAMOUNT, PREDOMINANT.
—in chief
1. At the head; in or having the highest place or authority: used in titles: commander in chief.
2. Chiefly. [<OF chef, chief <L caput head] Synonyms (noun): captain, chieftain, commander, head, leader, master, principal, ruler, sachem. A chief is either the ruler of a tribe or the head of some department of established government; as, the chief of police. The word is colloquially applied to one holding some analogous position in literary or mercantile life, etc. Chieftain is now mainly employed in poetic and literary use; it has special historic application to the head of a Scottish clan. A leader is one who is voluntarily followed because of ability to overcome and control, or as the choice of a party. A master is one who can enforce obedience. The highest officer of any considerable military force is called the commander; of all the forces of a nation, the commander in chief. See MASTER. Antonyms: adherent, attendant, follower, minion, retainer, satellite, subaltern, subordinate, vassal.