Noun: patriarchate 'pey-tree,aa(r)-kut
- The jurisdiction of a patriarch
"The Eastern Orthodox Church is divided into several patriarchates"
- A form of social organization in which a male is the family head and title is traced through the male line
"Many ancient societies were organized as patriarchates";
- patriarchy
Derived forms: patriarchates
Type of: jurisdiction, social organisation [Brit], social organization, social structure, social system, structure
Encyclopedia: Patriarchate