matriarchate

American  

[mey-tree-ahr-kit, -keyt] / ˈmeɪ triˌɑr kɪt, -keɪt /

noun

1. a matriarchal system or community.

2. 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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matriarchate British  

/ -keɪt, ˈmeɪtrɪˌɑːkɪt /

noun

1. rare a family or people under female domination or government

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Etymology

Origin of matriarchate

First recorded in 1880–85; matriarch + -ate ³

Example Sentences

I said the peoples with whom we are now being brought as a nation into vital relationship may be still in the matriarchate.

From The History of Woman Suffrage, Volume IV by Harper, Ida Husted

We find both the matriarchate and patriarchate family; and we may observe the greatest difference in the conduct of the parents in their care of offspring.

From The Truth About Woman by Hartley, C. Gasquoine (Catherine Gasquoine)

Often women established their own claims and all property was held by them; which under favourable circumstances developed into what may literally be called a matriarchate.

From The Position of Woman in Primitive Society A Study of the Matriarchy by Hartley, C. Gasquoine (Catherine Gasquoine)

A patriarchal age could not, therefore, have invented the matriarchate, and the myths which describe the latter may be regarded as trustworthy witnesses of its historical existence.

From The Position of Woman in Primitive Society A Study of the Matriarchy by Hartley, C. Gasquoine (Catherine Gasquoine)

Woman's position during the matriarchate was largely the result of the need in primitive society of woman's constructive energy, and her power arose from an unfettered use of her special functions.

From The Truth About Woman by Hartley, C. Gasquoine (Catherine Gasquoine)