n. 1. The leader of a circle of dancers; hence, the leader of a number of persons acting together; the leader of a herd of animals. [ 1913 Webster ]

A primacy of order, such an one as the ringleader hath in a dance. Barrow. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Opprobriously, a leader of a body of men engaged in the violation of law or in an illegal enterprise, as rioters, mutineers, or the like. [ 1913 Webster ]

The ringleaders were apprehended, tried, fined, and imprisoned. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Zool.) The ringed dotterel, or ring plover. [ Prov. Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Ring + -let. ] 1. A small ring; a small circle; specifically, a fairy ring. [ 1913 Webster ]

You demi-puppets, that
By moonshine do the green sour ringlets make,
Whereof the ewe not bites. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A curl; especially, a curl of hair. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ Her golden tresses ] in wanton ringlets waved. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]