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DictionarypaterfamiliasMale head of a household
noun

paterfamilias

pat-er-fuh-MIL-ee-ass/ˌpætərfəˈmɪliæs/

The male head of a family or household.

As paterfamilias, my grandfather has the final say at home.

An older father at the head of a small family table, guiding a household discussion with his adult daughter-in-law listening attentively.
Etymology
paterLatinfather
+familiasLatinhousehold, family

Literally “father of the household,” the title referred to its male head. The household could include servants as well as relatives, giving the term a broader scope than fatherhood alone.

More examples

  • The family's aging paterfamilias still manages the household budget.
  • She challenges the paterfamilias when he tries to choose her career.
  • The paterfamilias welcomes relatives to the annual family dinner.

Forms

paterfamilias · patresfamilias · paterfamiliases

Similar words

patriarch
Often emphasizes an older man's authority over an extended family.
householder
Refers to a household's owner or tenant, regardless of gender.