Chief of the hierarchy (4)

I believe the answer is:

arch

'chief' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'of the hierarchy' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'ARCH' can be found hidden inside 'hierarchy'.

(Other definitions for arch that I've seen before include "Clever" , "one that may have fallen" , "Curved form" , "Curve that spans an opening" , "Waggish" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app