Laird can set out to be chief (8)
I believe the answer is:
cardinal
'be chief' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'laird can set out' is the wordplay.
'set out' is an anagram indicator.
'laird'+'can'='lairdcan'
'lairdcan' anagrammed gives 'CARDINAL'.
'to' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for cardinal that I've seen before include "Primary - colour" , "Vivid red of a senior bishop?" , "papal adviser" , "Principal - churchman" , "of prime importance" .)