matripotestal

[ma-tree-poh-tes-tl, mey-]

adjective Anthropology.

of or relating to the authority exercised by a mother or a mother's blood relatives.

Origin of matripotestal

matri- + potestal < Latin potest(ās) power + -al¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

This is known as the matripotestal, as contrasted with the patripotestal, type of family.
Anthropology
Robert Marett
For our present purpose, all turns on the distinction between the matripotestal and the patripotestal family.
Anthropology
Robert Marett