patriarch
/ˈpeɪtriˌɑrk/
noun
- The male head of a family or tribe, especially in historical or traditional societies.
- As the patriarch of the clan, he made all the important decisions.
- In ancient Israel, Abraham is considered the patriarch of the Jewish people.
- The family patriarch gathered all his children and grandchildren for a holiday meal.
- A very old and respected man who is a leader in a community or organization.
- He became the patriarch of the local church community after serving for decades.
- The village patriarch was consulted on all matters of tradition.
- The company's patriarch, now in his nineties, still comes to the office every day.
- A high-ranking bishop in certain Christian churches, such as the Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholic churches.
- The Patriarch of Constantinople is considered first among equals in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
- The pope, as the Patriarch of the West, leads the Roman Catholic Church.
- The patriarch blessed the congregation during the Easter service.
Antonyms