capo
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈkɑpoʊ// capo
n. a person who leads a group, especially in a criminal organization. It is a short way of saying 'capo di tutti capi'.
n. the leader of a criminal organization, specifically the head of a mafia family. Derived from the Italian 'capo di tutti capi', meaning 'head of all heads'.
The capo ordered the men to move the goods.
In the hierarchy of the organization, the capo holds the highest authority and makes all final decisions.
The investigation revealed that the capo had been laundering money through several legitimate businesses to hide the true source of the organization's wealth.
Shortening of capotasto, from Italian.
From Italian capo (“head, chief”). Doublet of cape, caput, chef, chief, head, and Howth.