Chief justice \Chief" jus"tice\
   The presiding justice, or principal judge, of a court.
   [1913 Webster]

   Lord Chief Justice of England, The presiding judge of the
      Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice. The
      highest judicial officer of the realm is the Lord High
      Chancellor.

   Chief Justice of the United States, the presiding judge of
      the Supreme Court, and Highest judicial officer of the
      republic.
      [1913 Webster]