1. the position, rank, or authority of a chieftain; the office or status of being a chief or leader of a tribe or clan
2. the period of time during which a person holds the position of chieftain

Examples

• He assumed the chieftainship of the Highland clan after his father's death.
• During her chieftainship, the tribe expanded its territory significantly.
• The chieftainship was passed down through the family for generations.
• He was elected to the chieftainship by the council of elders.
• The responsibilities of chieftainship included settling disputes and leading hunts.
• Many candidates competed for the chieftainship of the confederation.