† ˈchiefnessObs. [f. chief a. + -ness.] The chief quality; supremacy, superiority. c1420Chron. Vilod. 403 Þen ony state gretter nowherellys to bere, Of cheffenesse or of heyȝe governyng.1662Fuller Worthies vi. (D.) Accounted the principall; but..their chiefnesse was penes Regis arbitrium.