IN-CHIEF

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does in-chief mean? 

• IN-CHIEF (adjective)
  The adjective IN-CHIEF has 1 sense:

1. indicating the head of a staff

  Familiarity information: IN-CHIEF used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• IN-CHIEF (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Indicating the head of a staff

Context example:

editor-in-chief

Similar:

important; of import (of great significance or value)

Domain usage:

combining form (a bound form used only in compounds)

 Context examples 

When the time came for the war to begin, the willow-wren sent out spies to discover who was the enemy’s commander-in-chief.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)

His hard, high-boned face, large piercing eyes, and immense physique made him a fitting leader for that rough and tumultuous body who had named him as their commander-in-chief.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)