chief

n. 1 a leader or ruler. B head of a tribe, clan, etc. 2 head of a department; highest official. adj. 1 first in position, importance, influence, etc. 2 prominent, leading. [latin caput head]

n. 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.