paterfamilias
the male head of a household or family, usually the father.
Roman Law.
the head of the Roman family; a juridical entity who holds the patria potestas.
a person who is not under the patria potestas of another.
Origin of paterfamilias
1Other words from paterfamilias
- pa·ter·fa·mil·iar, adjective
- pa·ter·fa·mil·iar·ly, adverb
Words Nearby paterfamilias
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use paterfamilias in a sentence
Motilal, the Nehru paterfamilias, had his suits made in Savile Row.
Behold a dumpy, comfortable British paterfamilias in a light flannel suit and a faded sun hat.
God and my Neighbour | Robert BlatchfordHis books were read in our homes, often aloud to the family circle by paterfamilias, and moved us to laughter or tears.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland | Joseph Tatlow"Poor old paterfamilias," exclaimed the sympathizing friend with genuine feeling.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume II (of 3) | Charles James WillsSi sciret paterfamilias qua hora fur uenturus esset; vigilaret utique non sineret perfodi domum suam.
paterfamilias at the door, smoking a cigar—a lad of ten years of age appears.
Lands of the Slave and the Free | Henry A. Murray
British Dictionary definitions for paterfamilias
/ (ˌpeɪtəfəˈmɪlɪˌæs) /
the male head of a household
Roman law
the head of a household having authority over its members
the parental or other authority of another person
Origin of paterfamilias
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse