Definition

1. Noun:
   • A form of social organization in which a male is the family head and title is traced through the male line: This refers to a societal or family structure where authority, inheritance, and lineage are determined by men.
   • The jurisdiction of a patriarch: This refers to the office, position, term, or territorial district under the authority of a patriarch, especially in certain Christian churches.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anthropologists studied the ancient tribe's patriarchate, where all property was passed from father to son.
  • The Eastern Orthodox patriarchate in that city has a history spanning over a thousand years.

Advanced Usage

• "The Patriarchate of Constantinople": A specific ecclesiastical jurisdiction.
  • The Patriarchate of Constantinople is one of the most ancient sees in Christianity.

Variants and Related Words

• Patriarch (n): A male head of a family or tribe; a high-ranking bishop in certain Christian churches.
  • The patriarch made the final decision for the clan.
• Patriarchal (adj): Relating to or characteristic of a patriarch or patriarchy.
  • The society had a deeply patriarchal structure.
• Patriarchy (n): A system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it.
  • The book analyzes the foundations of patriarchy in modern culture.

Synonyms

• Patriarchy: A social system where fathers hold authority.
• See: The jurisdiction or office of a bishop or patriarch (in ecclesiastical context).

Related Phrases

• "To hold the patriarchate": To occupy the office of a patriarch.
  • He held the patriarchate for two decades before retiring.

Noun

1. a form of social organization in which a male is the family head and title is traced through the male line
2. the jurisdiction of a patriarch