tetrarch

[ te-trahrk, tee- ]

noun

1. any ruler of a fourth part, division, etc.
2. a subordinate ruler.
3. one of four joint rulers or chiefs.
4. the ruler of the fourth part of a country or province in the ancient Roman Empire.

tetrarch

/ tɛˈtrɑːˌkeɪt; -kɪt; ˈtɛtrɑːk /

noun

1. the ruler of one fourth of a country
2. a subordinate ruler, esp of Syria under the Roman Empire
3. the commander of one of the smaller subdivisions of a Macedonian phalanx
4. any of four joint rulers

Derived Forms

• ˈtetrarchy, noun
• tetrarchate, noun
• teˈtrarchic, adjective

Other Words From

• te·trar·chy te·trarch·ate [te, -trahr-keyt, -kit, tee, -], noun
• te·trar·chic [te-, trahr, -kik, ti-], te·trar·chi·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tetrarch¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, tetrarcha, tetrarke, from Late Latin tetrarcha, variant of Latin tetrarchēs, from Greek tetrárchēs; tetr-, -arch

Word History and Origins

Origin of tetrarch¹

C14: from Greek tetrarkhēs; see tetra- , -arch

Example Sentences

As if to confirm his fears the two soldiers begin discussing the Tetrarch's sombre looks.

From Project Gutenberg

Mention is also made of the mandate he received to carry it out in the shape of the Tetrarch's death ring.

From Project Gutenberg

The chorus, in the person of soldiers, once again draws attention to the sombre aspect of the Tetrarch.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile the cowering Tetrarch covers his face with his cloak and a smile of triumph illumines the face of Herodias.

From Project Gutenberg

She told him she had gone up three in saying seven times in the multiplication table, and four in spelling "tetrarch."

From Project Gutenberg