In the mid-13th century, it was established as a special court rank, held by the highest-ranking official of the emperor's company.

He would have been the highest-ranking American official to visit in at least a decade.

Governor Sun, as the highest-ranking official, sat in the middle chair against the northern wall.

Sun, as the highest-ranking official, signaled the end of the evening by pushing his chair back from the table exactly at eight.

He was the highest-ranking official to hang onto his post despite the collapse of the Soviet state.

It is the second highest-ranking official in state government.

He would be the highest-ranking public official ever to face a criminal trial in Mexico.

He is the highest-ranking American official to meet the pope since that invasion.

Of the 21 highest-ranking officials in the company, a third got their jobs this year.