'Ringleader' definitions:
Definition of 'ringleader'
From: WordNet
noun
A person who leads (especially in illicit activities)
Definition of 'Ringleader'
From: GCIDE
- Ringleader \Ring"lead`er\, n.
- 1. The leader of a circle of dancers; hence, the leader of a number of persons acting together; the leader of a herd of animals. [1913 Webster]
- A primacy of order, such an one as the ringleader hath in a dance. --Barrow. [1913 Webster]
- 2. Opprobriously, a leader of a body of men engaged in the violation of law or in an illegal enterprise, as rioters, mutineers, or the like. [1913 Webster]
- The ringleaders were apprehended, tried, fined, and imprisoned. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'ringleader'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- agent provocateur,
- agitator,
- agitprop,
- bell cow,
- bell mare,
- bellwether,
- born leader,
- boss,
- cacique,
- catalyst,
- charismatic leader,
- choirmaster,
- choragus,
- conductor,
- coryphaeus,
- demagogue,
- duce,
- exciter,
- file leader,
- firebrand,
- fomenter,
- forerunner,
- fugleman,
- incendiary,
- inciter,
- inflamer,
- inspired leader,
- instigator,
- keynoter,
- leader,
- leader of men,
- Mahdi,
- man higher up,
- messiah,
- mischief-maker,
- pacemaker,
- pacesetter,
- policy maker,
- precentor,
- provocateur,
- provoker,
- rabble-rouser,
- rouser,
- sachem,
- seditionary,
- seditionist,
- standard-bearer,
- symphonic conductor,
- torchbearer,
- troublemaker,
- urger