Chieftains Meaning and Definition
Chieftains
Pronunciation
/ˈtʃiːftɪnz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A group of people, often with a leader, who have a system of government or society, typically in a pre-modern or tribal context.
Examples
- The Chieftains played an important role in the ancient Celtic civilization.
- In many indigenous cultures, the Chieftain is the leader of the community.
- The Chieftains were known for their bravery in battle.
- The Chieftain’s role is often hereditary, passed down from generation to generation.
- The Chieftains played a crucial role in negotiating peace treaties between rival tribes.
Synonyms
- Chief
- Patriarch
Antonyms
- Commoner
- Subject
Etymology
The term “Chieftain” comes from the Old English word “cēft”, meaning “head” or “chief”, and the Latin word “capitium”, meaning “head” or “headship”.
Usage Notes
The term “Chieftain” is often used in historical or anthropological contexts to describe the leaders of ancient or traditional societies.
Cultural References
The term “Chieftain” appears in many works of fiction, including novels, films, and television shows, often as a symbol of authority or leadership.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Chieftain of the tribe” is an idiomatic expression meaning the leader of a group or community.
Related Words or Phrases
Leader, Chief, Patriarch, Sovereign
Collocations
Collocates with words such as “tribe”, “clan”, “community”, and “people”.
Frequency of Use
The term “Chieftain” is relatively rare in everyday language, but it is often used in historical or cultural contexts.
Common Misspellings
Chifeatins, Chieften, Cheiftain