chiefdom

[ cheef-duhm ]

noun
  1. the rank or office of a chief.

  2. the territory or people over which a chief rules.

Origin of chiefdom

1
First recorded in 1570–80; chief + -dom

Words Nearby chiefdom

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use chiefdom in a sentence

  • For thee, free pardon and reinstatement in thy principality—yet is it not to be a kingdom, only as a great chiefdom.

    Pabo, The Priest | Sabine Baring-Gould
  • Candidates for the chiefdom had to show their fitness, and "a young lord's first spoil" was a necessary exploit.

    Irish Nationality | Alice Stopford Green
  • It should be the largest and most magnificent of all the Indian head-dresses, as it is the insignia of chiefdom.

  • His love for his wife was an insane love—it far outdid his love for his chiefdom.

    Skookum Chuck Fables | Skookum Chuck (pseud for R.D. Cumming)
  • Sebituane's successor in the chiefdom was his daughter, Ma-mochisane.