noun
- A chief or leader of a Native American people, especially in the Caribbean or Central/South America.
Usage: historical; also spelled cacique
Examples
- The cazique governed the island community with traditional authority.
- Spanish conquistadors often negotiated with local caziques during their expeditions.
- The cazique was responsible for organizing hunts and settling disputes among his people.
- Early colonial records documented the power and influence of various caziques in the region.