Chief
/ʧiːf/noun
The leader or highest-ranking person in an organization or group.
Did you know?The term 'chief' is linked to ancient authority, stemming from Latin roots that evoke the idea of a 'captain' or 'leader' in military contexts.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
caput
“Head, leader, or principal part.”
Old French
Old French
chief
“Leader, head, or principal.”
Middle English
Middle English
chief
“Head, leader, or the person in charge.”
Modern English
English
chief
“Highest-ranking person or leader in an organization.”