1. a woman who is the leader of a clan, tribe, or other group
Usage: often used in historical or anthropological contexts; can refer to the wife or widow of a chieftain

Examples

• The chieftainess led her people through the harsh winter with wisdom and courage.
• In Scottish history, a chieftainess sometimes inherited her clan's leadership.
• The chieftainess negotiated peace between the two neighboring tribes.
• She became chieftainess after her father's death and proved to be a capable ruler.
• The chieftainess was respected for her knowledge of traditional medicine and customs.