n.
  - a leader or ruler of a people. ▸the head of an organization. 
- Heraldry  an ordinary consisting of a broad horizontal band across the top of the shield. ▸the upper third of the field. 
adj.
  - having the highest rank or authority.
- most important:![]()  the chief reason. 
Derivative
  
  Etymology
  ME: from OFr. chief, chef, based on L. caput ‘head’.