paterfamilias (Meaning)

Wordnet

paterfamilias (n)

the male head of family or tribe

Webster

paterfamilias (n.)

The head of a family; in a large sense, the proprietor of an estate; one who is his own master.

paterfamilias Sentence Examples

  1. In ancient Rome, the paterfamilias held absolute authority over his family and household.
  2. The paterfamilias was the legal guardian of his children, who remained under his control until they reached adulthood.
  3. The paterfamilias had the right to sell, mortgage, or even kill his children and slaves.
  4. The paterfamilias' power extended to controlling the finances, property, and marriages of his family members.
  5. The paterfamilias was responsible for maintaining the family's social status and reputation.
  6. Under Roman law, the paterfamilias was exempt from many legal obligations that applied to ordinary citizens.
  7. The paterfamilias' authority was derived from traditional customs and beliefs about the hierarchical structure of society.
  8. Despite their vast power, paterfamilias were also expected to provide for and protect their families.
  9. The concept of paterfamilias has influenced family structures and gender roles in Western societies to this day.
  10. In some cultures, the paterfamilias is still regarded as the head of the family, with certain responsibilities and privileges.

FAQs About the word paterfamilias

the male head of family or tribeThe head of a family; in a large sense, the proprietor of an estate; one who is his own master.

patriarch, father, sire, pa, papa, pop, poppa, daddy,dad, pater

No antonyms found.

In ancient Rome, the paterfamilias held absolute authority over his family and household.

The paterfamilias was the legal guardian of his children, who remained under his control until they reached adulthood.

The paterfamilias had the right to sell, mortgage, or even kill his children and slaves.

The paterfamilias' power extended to controlling the finances, property, and marriages of his family members.