This chief is a male always (5)
I believe the answer is:
ameer
'this chief' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?
'a male always' is the wordplay.
'male' becomes 'm' (common abbreviation).
'always' becomes 'eer' (poetic way of saying ever).
'a'+'m'+'eer'='AMEER'
'is' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ameer that I've seen before include "Former ruler's title in Afghanistan" , "Muslim leader" , "Muslim prince's title" , "foreign ruler" , "Asian dignitary" .)