chief justice

Law. the presiding judge of a court having several members.

(initial capital letters) Official title Chief Justice of the United States. the presiding judge of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Origin of chief justice

First recorded in 1685–95

chief jus·tice·ship, noun

Wilmot's bill reduced these salaries to £700 for the chief-justice and £600 to each of the other judges.

Wilmot and Tilley |James Hannay
You will find a close connection between Mr. Hastings and the chief-justice, which we shall prove.

The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. X. (of 12) |Edmund Burke
Bushe, the Cicero of the house, glowing with oratorical indignation, condescended to be chief-justice.

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 64, No. 397, November 1848 |Various
He was chief-justice of the United States for thirty-five years, being appointed in 1800 and holding the position until his death.

Southern Literature From 1579-1895 |Louise Manly

We cross-examine the minister, and we criticise the decision of the Chief-Justice.

The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 11 (of 12) |Robert G. Ingersoll

chief justice

(in any of several Commonwealth countries) the judge presiding over a supreme court

(in the US) the presiding judge of a court composed of a number of members

chief justiceship, noun