chieftayn

Middle English

Noun

chieftayn

1. Alternative form of cheveteyn
   • late 14th century, Geoffrey Chaucer, The Knight's Tale, The Canterbury Tales, line 2555-2557:

     And if so falle, the chieftayn be take
     On either syde, or elles slee his make,
     No lenger shal the turneyinge laste.

     And if so happen that the chieftain be taken
     On either side, or else should slay his opponent,
     The tournament shall last no longer.