01 n. The leader of a circle of dancers; hence, the leader of a number of persons acting together; the leader of a herd of animals.
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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.“A primacy of order, such an one as the ringleader hath in a dance.” — Barrow.
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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.“The ringleaders were apprehended, tried, fined, and imprisoned.” — Macaulay.