Adjective: patriarchal ,pey-tree'aa(r)-kul
- Characteristic of a form of social organization in which the male is the family head and title is traced through the male line
"The patriarchal society maintained strict gender roles"
- Relating to or characteristic of a man who is older or higher in rank
"The patriarchal figure of the grandfather commanded respect in the family"
See also: paternal, patriarchic, patricentric
Antonym: matriarchal
Encyclopedia: Patriarchal