chieftain

n. the leader of a tribe or a large family group called a clan.

n. the head or leader of a clan or tribe, typically in a traditional or historical context.

“The Scottish chieftain led his clan into the valley to meet the king.”

“Archaeologists discovered a burial site containing ornate gold jewellery, suggesting it belonged to a powerful Iron Age chieftain.”

Literary

n. a leader of a specific group, sometimes used to describe someone powerful in business or politics.

n. a leader of a group or faction; occasionally used metaphorically in political or corporate contexts to describe a powerful figure.

“The local party chieftain decided which candidate would run for office.”

“The corporate chieftain oversaw a vast network of subsidiaries, maintaining absolute control over the company's strategic direction.”

Formal · Literary