GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found one definition

1.       
   Patriarch (pāˈtrĭ‑ärk), n. [F. patriarche, L. patriarcha, Gr. παριάρχης, fr. παριά lineage, especially on the father's side, race; πατήρ father + ἀρχός a leader, chief, fr. ἄρχειν to lead, rule. See Father, Archaic.]
   1. 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.
   
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   2. (R. C. Ch. & Gr. Ch.) A dignitary superior to the order of archbishops; as, “the patriarch of Constantinople, of Alexandria, or of Antioch”.
   
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   3. A venerable old man; an elder.  Also used figuratively.
   
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   The patriarch hoary, the sage of his kith and the hamlet. Longfellow.
   
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   The monarch oak, the partiarch of trees. Dryde.
   
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