patriarchy Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a form of social organization in which a male is the family head and title is traced through the male line
    patriarchate.

WordNet


Pa"tri*arch`y noun
Etymology
Gr. .
Definitions
  1. The jurisdiction of a patriarch; patriarchship. Brerewood.
  2. Government by a patriarch; patriarchism.

Webster 1913