matripotestal

[ ma-tree-poh-tes-tl, mey- ]

adjectiveAnthropology.
  1. of or relating to the authority exercised by a mother or a mother's blood relatives.

Origin of matripotestal

1
matri- + potestal<Latin potest(ās) power + -al1

Words Nearby matripotestal

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use matripotestal in a sentence

  • For our present purpose, all turns on the distinction between the matripotestal and the patripotestal family.

    Anthropology | Robert Marett
  • This is known as the matripotestal, as contrasted with the patripotestal, type of family.

    Anthropology | Robert Marett