- (n.) A dignitary superior to the order of archbishops; as, the patriarch of Constantinople, of Alexandria or of Antioch.
- (n.) 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.
- (n.) A venerable old man; an elder. Also used figuratively.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). patriarch. Retrieved September 25, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/patriarch/definitions/2042694 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "patriarch" http://smartdefine.org/patriarch/definitions/2042694 (accessed September 25, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, patriarch, Smart Define, viewed 25 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/patriarch/definitions/2042694>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "patriarch" 27 May 2011. Web. 25 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/patriarch/definitions/2042694> |