chancellor

chan-cel-lor · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The head of government in some European countries, especially Germany and Austria.

  2. 2.

    (UK) A senior government minister, especially the Chancellor of the Exchequer (finance minister).

  3. 3.

    The ceremonial head or chief administrative officer of a university.

  4. 4.

    (Historical) A secretary or keeper of records in royal courts.

Forms

plural: chancellors

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Chancellor of the Exchequer — UK finance minister
  • •
    Lord Chancellor — head of the UK judiciary (historical)

Related words

See also: government, minister, president
Synonyms: chief, head, leader

Etymology

From Old French chancelier, from Late Latin cancellarius ("secretary, usher"), from Latin cancelli ("lattice, bars"), referring to the latticed barrier that separated officials from the public.