Etymology Map
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Chief

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a leader or ruler; most important

Where does the word "chief" come from? It comes from Latin caput, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
caput
Latin · ancient
"head"
the root of 'captain', 'capital' and 'cabbage'
2
Stage 2 of 3
chief
Old French · medieval
"head, leader"
'kerchief' is 'cover-head'
3
Stage 3 of 3
chief
English · 1300s
"leader"
'chief executive' dates from the 1700s
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Read the full story

Chief’s story begins in Latin: caput meant “head.” The root of 'captain', 'capital' and 'cabbage'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as chief. 'kerchief' is 'cover-head'. It reached English by 1300s as chief. 'chief executive' dates from the 1700s. Today, chief means a leader or ruler; most important.