noun

chieftain

CHEEF-tuhn

noun

The leader of a clan, tribe, or group, especially in traditional or historical contexts.

"The clan chieftain called his warriors together before the battle."

How to Use Chieftain

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tribal or clan leader — a more old-fashioned, traditional word than "chief."

Easily confused with

chief → captain →

chieftains plural

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The clan _____ called his warriors together before the battle.

From Old French chevetaine, from Latin capitaneus ("head, chief") — the same root that gave English "captain."

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