Patriarchy

Origin

From Latin patriarchia, from Byzantine Greek πατριαρχία, from Hellenistic Ancient Greek πατριάρχης ("patriarch"), from πατρία and ἄρχω.

Full definition of patriarchy

Noun

1. A social system in which the father is head of the household, having authority over women and children.
2. A system of government by males.
3. The dominance of men in social or cultural systems.
4. (Christianity) The office of a patriarch; a patriarchate.

Derived terms

• neopatriarchy

Related terms

• patriarch
• patriarchate
• patriarchal