For the British tank, see Chieftain tank. For the opera by Arthur Sullivan, see The Chieftain.

A chieftain is the leader or head of a group, especially of a clan or tribe. See Tribal Chief.

Etymology: Middle English cheftain, from Old French chevetain, from Late Latin capitaneus, from Latin caput, head. In other words, it is related to the contemporary word captain.

Titles of national or ethnic leadership

Chieftain