matriarch

1 a female head of a family or tribe [syn: materfamilias]

2 a feisty older woman with a big bosom (as drawn in cartoons)

English

Etymology

From Latin mater (meaning mother) + -arch.

Noun

1. A female leader of a family, a tribe or an ethnic or religious group.
2. A female founder of a political or religious movement, an organization or an enterprise.

Related terms

• matron
• matrimony, matrimonial
• maternal

Translations

• Finnish: matriarkka (1)
• Portuguese: matriarca
• Scottish Gaelic: àrd-mhàthair
• Swedish: matriark

See also

• patriarch

A matriarch, clan-mother or 'chief' is an autocratic female ruler of a human family, clan, or kinship, or of an animal grouping.

The matriarch is usually the oldest female in an extended family. Her authority over the others, as well as their trust in her, often stems from her knowledge and life skills, especially in the acquisition and distribution of food.

Matriarchs hold a significant position in several animal societies. Notably, elephants, hyenas, ants, and bees are dependent on the leadership of their matriarchs.

See also

• matriarchy
• patriarch

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