Refers to the leader of a criminal group or a rebellion. Literary and somewhat old-fashioned; in modern contexts, 首謀者 or リーダー are more common.
The police finally arrested the ringleader of the organization.
Informal term for boss or chief, often used in yakuza or gang contexts. 巨魁 carries a more formal, historical tone.
Standard kanji form for 'ringleader'.
Alternate kanji form; less common.
Mixed kanji-kana form; rare.
Composed of 巨 (huge, great) and 魁 (leader, pioneer). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination suggests a 'great leader' or 'chief'.