Definition of "monarch"

monarch

/ˈmɒnək/

noun
plural monarchs
1. The ruler of an absolute monarchy or the head of state of a constitutional monarchy.
  Quotations
  Never was monarch better fear'd and lov'd / Than is your Majesty.
  1599, William Shakespeare, “The Life of Henry the Fift”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act II, scene ii], page 25
2. A monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) and others of genus Danaus, found primarily in North America, so called because of the designs on its wings.
  Quotations
  But I know the monarchs are close by, their orange-and-black wings folded, dusted, and baked by heat, ready to flee south.
  2019, Ocean Vuong, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, Jonathan Cape, page 223
3. (Aboriginal English) A police officer.
  Quotations
  ‘Skippy gets off. An ya know the first thing e says to them monarch? E turns round on em an yelps, “An now ya can just gimme back that bottle.”’
  1961, Nene Gare, The Fringe Dwellers, Text Classics, published 2012, page 41
4. (often capitalised) A stag which has sixteen or more points or tines on its antlers.
5. The chief or best thing of its kind.
6. Any bird of the family Monarchidae.