paterfamilias

paterfamilias

English Noun

Definition

A man who is the head of a household, family or tribe.

Etymology

(c. 1425 to 1475) From late Middle English paterfamilias, from Latin pater familiās. From Latin pater (“father”) + familiās, archaic genitive of familia (“family; household”). Literally, "father of the family" or "father of the household".