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Chieftain vs Overlord - What's the difference?

chieftain | overlord | Related terms |

As nouns the difference between chieftain and overlord

is that chieftain is a leader of a clan or tribe while overlord is a ruler of other rulers.

chieftain

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A leader of a clan or tribe.
  • A leader of a group, e.g. a robbers' chieftain.

    • Synonyms

    * (A very powerful person) chief, big gun, big shot, big wheel, bigwig, boss, employer, foreman, head, heid bummer, leader, mandarin, manager, mover and shaker, top banana, top dog, tycoon

    overlord

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A ruler of other rulers.
    • The various tribal chieftains met each spring to elect an overlord that would lead them in time of war.
  • Anyone with overarching power or authority in a given domain.
    • The crusty old professor was overlord of the history department, and few dared to cross his will.
  • *

    • Usage notes

    * The second sense frequently carries negative connotations; calling one an overlord can imply tyranny or authoritarianism.

    Derived terms

    * overlordship