01 n. The father and ruler of a family; one who governs his family or descendants by paternal right; -- usually applied to heads of families in a…
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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.
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2.
A dignitary superior to the order of archbishops; as, the patriarch of Constantinople, of Alexandria, or of Antioch.(R. C. Ch. & Gr. Ch.)
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3.
A venerable old man; an elder. Also used figuratively.“The patriarch hoary, the sage of his kith and the hamlet.” — Longfellow.“The monarch oak, the partiarch of trees.” — Dryde.