Search the Dictionary

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.

Of or pertaining to a patriarch or to patriarchs; possessed by, or subject to, patriarchs; as, patriarchal authority or jurisdiction; a patriarchal see; a patriarchal church.

The office, dignity, or jurisdiction of a patriarch. Jer. Taylor.

The office or jurisdiction of a patriarch; patriarchate. [R.]

Patriarchal.

Government by a patriarch, or the head of a family.

A patriarchate. Ayliffe.

The jurisdiction of a patriarch; patriarchship. Brerewood.

Of or pertaining to the Roman patres (fathers) or senators, or patricians.

The rank or character of patricians.

The patrician class; the aristocracy; also, the office of patriarch. Milman.

Of or pertaining to patricide; parricidal.

The murderer of his father.

Of or pertaining to a patrimony; inherited from ancestors; as, a patrimonial estate.

By inheritance.

ed from one's father; or, in a larger sense, from any ancestor. "'Reave the orphan of his patrimony." Shak.

his country, and zealously supports its authority and interests. Bp. Hall. Such tears as patriots shaed for dying laws. Pope.

Inspired by patriotism; actuated by love of one's country; zealously and unselfishly devoted to the service of one's country; as, a patriotic statesman, vigilance.

Patriotic; that pertains to a patriot. -- Pa`tri*ot"ic*al*ly, adv.

Love of country; devotion to the welfare of one's country; the virtues and actions of a patriot; the passion which inspires one to serve one's country. Berkley.