pa·tri·ar·chy 
/ˈpeɪtriˌɑɚki/ noun
plural pa·tri·ar·chies /ˈpeɪtriˌɑɚki/ noun 1 [count] : a family, group, or government controlled by a man or a group of men
▪ For 20 years, the country was ruled as a patriarchy. ▪ ancient patriarchies 2 [noncount] : a social system in which family members are related to each other through their fathers
▪ a region in which patriarchy is practiced — compare matriarchy
▪ For 20 years, the country was ruled as a patriarchy. ▪ ancient patriarchies
▪ a region in which patriarchy is practiced — compare matriarchy
