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Chieftaincy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Chieftaincy refers to the position, authority, or territory of a chief, who is the leader of a tribe or clan. It denotes traditional leadership and governance in many indigenous societies.

chieftaincy

/ˈtʃiftənsi/ /ˈtʃiːftənsi/

Definition:

The position or period of rule of a tribal chief; leadership in a traditional society.

Synonyms:

leadership, headship, rulership, command

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

subordination, followership

Common Collocations:

hereditary chieftaincy, tribal chiefaincy, assume chieftaincy, dispute chieftaincy

Derivatives:

chieftain, chieftainship

Usage Tips:

Use "chieftaincy" to refer to the authority or tenure of a chief, often in tribal or traditional contexts.

Common Phrases:

claim to chieftaincy, succession to chieftaincy, dispute over chieftaincy

Etymology:

Derived from "chieftain," from Old French "chevetaine," and ultimately Latin "capitaneus," meaning leader or captain.

Examples:

  • 1. The chieftaincy was passed down through generations in the tribe.
  • 2. He aspired to attain the chieftaincy after his father's retirement.
  • 3. The council debated the legitimacy of his claim to the chieftaincy.
  • 4. Disputes over the chieftaincy often led to conflicts within the community.

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