chieftain
n.n. a leader of a group of people, especially in a traditional or tribal society. You use this word to describe someone who has a lot of power and respect within their community.
n. a leader of a tribe or clan, typically holding a position of authority and influence within a traditional or indigenous society.
The chieftain made the final decision for the village.
After the meeting, the chieftain walked through the village to greet the elders and hear their concerns.
The chieftain's authority was not based on formal laws but on a deep-seated tradition of oral history and the respect of his ancestors.
From Middle English cheveteyn, cheftayne, from Old French chevetaine, from Late Latin capitaneus (English captain), from Latin caput (“head”), from Proto-Indo-European kauput- (English head), itself from Proto-Indo-European kap-. Doublet of captain; related to chief.