- 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. - A dignitary superior to the order of archbishops; as,
the patriarch of Constantinople, of Alexandria, or of Antioch. - A venerable old man; an elder. Also used figuratively.
Definition
[ n.]