Chief, a. 1. Highest in office or rank; principal; head. “Chief rulers.” John. xii. 42.
2. Principal or most eminent in any quality or action; most distinguished; having most influence; taking the lead; most important; as, the chief topic of conversation; the chief interest of man.
3. Very intimate, near, or close.
A whisperer separateth chief friends.
Prov. xvi. 28.
Syn. — Principal; head; leading; main; paramount; supreme; prime; vital; especial; great; grand; eminent; master.