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

Let no one imagine that the so-called "matriarchate" of early ages was an ideal condition of society.

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

Such an exclusion points to the family being unimportant in early times, the matriarchate perhaps then excluding the responsibility of the man.

From The Religion of Ancient Egypt by Petrie, W. M. Flinders (William Matthew Flinders), Sir

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

The term "matriarchate" encouraged this fallacy and has gone out of use.

From Folkways A Study of the Sociological Importance of Usages, Manners, Customs, Mores, and Morals by Sumner, William Graham

This led to a reconsideration of the patriarchal theory; and for a time it was widely held that in the early stages of society a matriarchate prevailed, in which women held the supreme power.

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