matriarchate

[ mey-tree-ahr-kit, -keyt ]

/ ˈmeɪ triˌɑr kɪt, -keɪt /

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noun

a matriarchal system or community.

a social order formerly believed to have preceded patriarchal tribal society in the early period of human communal life, embodying rule by the mothers, or by all adult women.

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Origin of matriarchate

First recorded in 1880–85; matriarch + -ate³

Words nearby matriarchate

Matralia, matrass, matri-, matriarch, matriarchal, matriarchate, matriarchy, matric, matrical, matrices, matricide

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use matriarchate in a sentence

Another myth depicts the fall of the matriarchate in the following manner: During the rule of Cecrops, a double miracle occurred.
Woman and Socialism|August Bebel
Thus the matriarchate was evolved that for a long time constituted the foundation of family relations and inheritance.
Woman and Socialism|August Bebel
We have already shown that this right of the first night was a custom which had its origin in the time of the matriarchate.
Woman and Socialism|August Bebel
Even in modern Germany remnants of the matriarchate survive.
Woman and Socialism|August Bebel

The matriarchate disappeared and the patriarchate took its place.
Woman and Socialism|August Bebel

British Dictionary definitions for matriarchate

matriarchate

/ (ˈmeɪtrɪˌɑːkɪt, -keɪt) /

noun

rare a family or people under female domination or government

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012