Definition of: chancellor

(chan′sə·lər, chän′-, chans′lər, chäns′-) noun
1. A high officer of state or of a university.
2. A judicial officer sitting in a court of chancery or equity.
3. In Germany, formerly, the president of the Federal Council.
4. In France, formerly, the keeper of the great seal and president of the Councils.
5. A chief secretary, as of an embassy.
6. A keeper of the great seal under the Eastern Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, etc. Also chan′cel·or.
—lord high chancellor In Great Britain, the highest judicial officer of the crown. Also lord chancellor. [<OF chancelier <LL cancellarius one who stands at the bar in a court <cancelli. See CHANCEL.]
—chan′cel·lor·ship′ noun