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pa·tri·arch
 patriarch
- pronunciation:
- peI
tri
ark
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
a usu. elderly male leader of a family or tribe. (Cf. matriarch.)
The tribe sought the advice of the patriarch in all important matters.- similar words:
- elder
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| definition 2: |
in the Old Testament, one of the fathers of humankind or of the Hebrews.
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| definition 3: |
an elderly and revered man, or some analogous living thing such as a very large tree or large old herd animal.
- similar words:
- father
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| definition 4: |
in some churches, a high-ranking bishop or other official.
- similar words:
- father
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| related words: |
ancestor, ancient, antediluvian, antiquity, elder, father |
| derivations: |
patriarchal (adj.), patriarchally (adv.) |
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