trierarch

[trahy-uh-rahrk]

noun

Greek History.

1. the commander of a trireme.

2. (in Athens) a citizen who, singly, or jointly with other citizens, was required to fit out a trireme for the public service.

trierarch

/ ˈtraɪəˌrɑːk /

noun

1. a citizen responsible for fitting out a state trireme, esp in Athens

2. the captain of a trireme

Word History and Origins

Origin of trierarch¹

1650–60; < Greek triḗrarchos , equivalent to triḗr ( ēs ) trireme + archós commander. See tri-, -arch

Word History and Origins

Origin of trierarch¹

C17: from Latin, from Greek triērarkhos , from triērēs equipped with three banks of oars + arkhein to command

Example Sentences

Trierarch, trī′ėr-�rk, n. the commander of an ancient Greek trireme—also a person obliged to furnish ships to the state.—adj.

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Trī′erarchy, the office of trierarch: the system of requisitioning vessels from wealthy citizens.

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On the deck above the hearty shouts of Ameinias the trierarch, and chanting of the seamen told that on the Nausicaä at least there would be no slackness in the fight.

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And will you still deny me equal voice and vote with this noble trierarch from Siphinos with his one, or with his comrade from Melos with his twain?”

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The captain, or "trierarch," commanded implicit obedience.

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