chief-baron

In fact, in my utter ignorance of such persons, I had imagined a college fellow to be a character necessarily severe and unbending; and as the only two very great people I had ever seen in my life were the Archbishop of Tuam and the chief-baron when on circuit, I pictured to myself that a university fellow was, in all probability, a cross between the two, and feared him accordingly.

Charles O'Malley — Volume 1 Charles James Lever 1839

Neal calls him "A great lawyer, and of unblemished mo - rals; and after the restoration of king Charles II. was made lord chief baron, and esteemed a grave and venerable judge," But it is grossly improbable that such a man should have been thus promoted, and it is besides ex - pressly contrary to fact, for sir Orlando Bridgeman was chief-baron at the trial of the regicides, and was succeeded by judge Hale.

The General biographical dictionary: 1812