patriarchate
/ˈpeɪtriˌɑrkeɪt/
noun
- The office, rank, or territory of a patriarch (a high-ranking bishop in certain Christian churches).
- The patriarchate oversees many churches and monasteries in the region.
- The Patriarchate of Constantinople is one of the oldest in Christianity.
- He was elected to lead the patriarchate after years of service.
- A society or system ruled by a patriarch; a patriarchal system.
- The ancient tribe functioned as a patriarchate, with the eldest male making all decisions.
- The novel explores life in a fictional patriarchate where women have limited rights.
- Some historians study how the patriarchate shaped early legal systems.
Antonyms