noun
- the positions, ranks, or territories of chieftains; areas ruled by chiefs
Examples
- The region was divided into several traditional chieftaincies.
- Local chieftaincies maintained their own customs and laws.
- The colonial government recognized existing chieftaincies in the area.
- Disputes arose between neighboring chieftaincies over land rights.
- Modern governments often work with traditional chieftaincies on local issues.
- The chieftaincies formed alliances to resist outside interference.