patriarch
//ˈpeɪ.tri.ɑːk//
Noun
patriarchSingular
patriarchsPlural
1
The male head of a family or tribe, especially one who is elderly and respected.
The patriarch of the family gathered everyone for the holiday dinner.
2
A man who is the oldest or most venerable of a group.
He is the patriarch of our village, respected by everyone for his wisdom.
3
Any of the biblical figures regarded as fathers of the human race, especially Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Abraham is considered one of the great patriarchs in the Bible.
4
A high-ranking bishop in certain Christian churches, especially the Eastern Orthodox Church.
The patriarch of Constantinople is considered the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church.