Patriarch
/ˈpeɪ.tri.ɑːrk/noun
The male head of a family or tribe.
Did you know?The term 'Patriarch' originally referred to biblical figures, but it also ties to ancient Rome, where patriarchs held significant religious and political power, shaping the very foundations of society.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pəter
“Father”
Ancient Greek
Greek
πατριάρχης (patriárchēs)
“Chief or head of a family or tribe, literally 'father ruler'.”
Late Latin
Latin
patriarcha
“Father or chief of a family, adapted from Greek.”
Old French
Old French
patriarche
“The title or office of a father or head of a family.”
Middle English
Middle English
patriarke
“A leader or head of a family, especially in a religious context.”
Modern English
English
patriarch
“The male head of a family or community, especially in a church or religious setting.”