maverick
n. countablen. someone who thinks and acts independently. They often refuse to follow the usual rules of a group or organization.
n. an independent-minded person who resists adherence to the conventions or dictates of a group. Often carries a connotation of being rebellious yet effective.
The new manager is a maverick who ignores traditional rules.
The director was known as a maverick for filming without a script and hiring actors with no previous experience.
While the political establishment viewed him as a dangerous maverick, his supporters saw a visionary leader who was finally willing to challenge the status quo.
Named after Texan lawyer and politician Samuel Maverick (1803–1870), who refused to brand his cattle. For probable origin and meaning, see Maverick. The poker noun sense (“a queen and a jack as a starting hand in Texas hold 'em”) may be from the theme song of the US Western television series Maverick (1957–1962), which says of the eponymous protagonist that “[g]amblin’ is his game” and that he is “livin’ on jacks and queens”.
Often used as a modifier before another noun (e.g., 'a maverick detective').