meaning of patriarch
1. The father and ruler of a family; one who governs his family or descendants by paternal right; -- usually applied to heads of families in ancient history, especially in Biblical and Jewish history to those who lived before the time of Moses.
2. A dignitary superior to the order of archbishops; as, the patriarch of Constantinople, of Alexandria, or of Antioch.
3. A venerable old man; an elder. Also used figuratively.
4. a man who is older and higher in rank than yourself
Related Words
patriarch | patriarchal | patriarchal cross | patriarchate | patriarchdom | patriarchic | patriarchism | patriarchship | patriarchy |