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

See Examples For:

matriarchate

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)

Their language and customs prove an earlier and higher culture, in which we may trace the matriarchate.

From The Forerunner, Volume 1 (1909-1910) by Gilman, Charlotte Perkins

On such an established fact rests the assumption of a matriarchate, or period of Mutterrecht.

From Taboo and Genetics A Study of the Biological, Sociological and Psychological Foundation of the Family by Knight, Melvin Moses

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

Where the matriarchate prevails we naturally find no prejudice against marriage with a half-sister on the father's side, while union with a uterine sister is incestuous.

From Sex and Society by Thomas, William I.