| 释义 |
chief·tain
\ˈchēftən also -tin sometimes -ˌtān\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English cheftaine, chieftaine, from Middle French chevetain, alteration (influenced by Middle French chev-, from Medieval Latin capi-, from Latin caput head) of Old French chastain, from Late Latin capitaneus commander, from capitaneus, adjective, outstanding, from Latin caput — more at head
1. : chief, ruler
2. archaic : the leader of a troop or army : captain
3. : the leader or headman of a band (as of robbers) or gang (as of thieves)
4.
a. : the head of a branch of a Scottish clan; also : the chief of a Scottish clan
b. : a chief ruling a primitive tribe or people |