noun
university president; vice-chancellor; chancellor
The head of a university or similar institution. In Japanese contexts, often translated as 'president' or 'chancellor' depending on the institution's English title.
彼は来年、大学の総長に就任する予定だ。
He is scheduled to take office as the university president next year.
noun, used as a suffix
Used as a suffix in titles such as 事務総長 (secretary-general) or 国連事務総長 (UN Secretary-General). Not a standalone noun in this sense.
See also: 事務総長
国連事務総長は国際平和のために尽力している。
The UN Secretary-General is working hard for international peace.
noun
gang leader; head of a biker gang
Especially used for the leader of a biker gang (暴走族). Colloquial and somewhat dated; the term carries a rough, subcultural connotation.
彼は暴走族の総長として名を馳せていた。
He made a name for himself as the leader of a biker gang.