The leader or chief of a group, village, or organization, someone who has authority over others.
Compound of 'head' (from Old English 'heafod,' meaning the top part of the body) and 'man.' The metaphorical use of 'head' for leader dates back to at least Old English.
In colonial times, European traders used 'headman' to refer to Indigenous leaders, but the term also appears in maritime history for the chief crew member on a ship, showing how 'head' as a leadership term worked across totally different contexts!
Generic masculine form historically used for leadership roles; 'man' suffix excludes women from occupational identity even when they hold equivalent positions.
Use 'leader,' 'head,' or 'coordinator' to reference role regardless of gender.
["leader","coordinator","chief","head"]
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