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.

From Project Gutenberg

The officers were the trierarch and next to him the helmsman (κυβερνήτης), who was the navigating officer of the trireme.

From Project Gutenberg

He had discharged several public services (λειτουργίαι); in particular, he had thrice served as trierarch.

From Project Gutenberg

"A Saxon pirate, O Lentulus," said the trierarch to the man in armor at his side.

From Project Gutenberg

The trierarch took the eagle and went and stood by the body of Lentulus.

From Project Gutenberg