Etymology
Meaning and Origin
The term "chieftain" derives from the Latin word "caput," meaning "head." It originally referred to the leader of a group or body of people, particularly a military unit or tribe. The term evolved through the French language, where it became "chevetain" and eventually entered English as "chieftain."
In medieval and early modern times, a chieftain was typically the hereditary leader of a clan or tribe, particularly in Celtic societies. They held authority over their people, leading them in war, administering justice, and maintaining social order.
Over time, the term "chieftain" has broadened in meaning to include:
In modern usage, the term "chieftain" may be applied to a variety of roles, ranging from leaders of indigenous tribes to corporate executives and community organizers. It typically implies a combination of leadership, authority, and respect within a particular context.
Etymology Middle English acheven from Old French achever from Latin assequi follow
Etymology Biceps brachii short for two headed muscle of the arm is a Latin term coin
Etymology Middle English cabach cabage Old North French caboche cabuige Late Latin
Etymology The word cabochon is derived from the French word caboche meaning head
Etymology Caddie comes from the Scottish word caddie meaning errand boy or one
Etymology The word cadet is derived from the French word cadet which in turn comes
Etymology of Cap a Pie The phrase cap a pie originated from the Middle French phrase
Etymology The word cape originates from the Middle English cappe which itself is de
Etymology The word cape originates from the Middle English cappe which itself is de
Etymology Latin caput head Proto Indo European keput head Meaning Prim
Etymology Latin caput head Proto Indo European keput head Meaning Prim
Etymology Latin caput head Meaning Relating to or resembling a head Origin T
Etymology Latin capitatio head tax Late Latin capitatio medica a tax levied on d
Etymology Late Latin capitulare from Latin capitulum little head chapter Mean
Etymology From Latin capitulation from capitulare from caput head ulare verb
Etymology The word capitulum derives from Latin and has multiple meanings and origins d
Etymology The word capo is derived from the Italian word capo meaning head or chie
Etymology The word capo is derived from the Italian word capo meaning head or chie
Etymology The word caprice originates from the Old French word capricie which in tu
Etymology Old French capsier capsizer to overturn Latin capsus box case Meani
Etymology The word captain comes from the Latin word capitaneus which in turn comes
Etymology The word cattle comes from the Old English word catel which originally re
Etymology The word caudillo is derived from the Spanish word caudal meaning leader
Etymology The word chapter comes from the Latin word capitulum meaning head or he
Etymology The term chef originates from the Old French word chief which means head
Etymology of Chief The word chief comes from the Old French word chief which in tu
Etymology Old French chevetain leader Late Latin capitaneus captain leader Latin
Etymology Middle English corporal from Anglo Norman corporal from Latin corporalis
Etymology The word decapitate derives from the Latin word decapitare which is a com
Etymology Fore prefix head noun Meaning The front part of the head above the eye
Etymology The word head comes from the Old English word heafod which itself derives
Etymology The word hetman is of Polish origin derived from the Proto Germanic word ha
Etymology The word kaput is derived from the German expression Ganz kaputt or kaput
Etymology Middle English kerechief from Old French couvrechief literally cover
Etymology The word mischief comes from the Old French word meschief which is derived
Etymology The word occipital comes from the Latin word occipitus meaning the back of
Etymology The word precipice is derived from the Latin word praecipitium which means
Etymology Late Latin praecipitat praecipitatus past participle of praecipitare to h
Etymology precipitare Latin to fall rush down prae Latin prefix before down
Etymology Recapitulate originates from the Latin word recapitulatio which means t
Etymology Recapitulation derives from the Latin word recapitulatio meaning a headi
Etymology Latin sinciput Meaning forehead Origin Indo European root sekw mean
Etymology The term triceps is derived from Latin and has the following etymology tr
Etymology The word captain comes from the Latin word capitaneus which in turn comes
Etymology of Chief The word chief comes from the Old French word chief which in tu
Etymology The word clan is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word clann meaning chil
Etymology The word mackintosh derives from two sources Mac prefix Short for Ma
Etymology The term ice cube is derived from three words Ice Originally derived from
Etymology The word admiral is derived from the Arabic word amīr al baḥr meaning
Etymology Old English ledere leader guide Middle English leder Proto Germanic l
Etymology The word dodge has its origins in the Middle English word doggen meaning
Etymology The word charity comes from the Latin word caritas which means love affe
Etymology Old English gāst ultimately derived from Proto Germanic gaistaz Cognate wi
