2 uses
(click/touch triangles for details)
Definition
a usually elderly man who is the leader of a group such as a family or tribe
- Then—the morning light still waxing stronger—old patriarchs would rise up in great haste, each in his flannel gown, and matronly dames, without pausing to put off their night-gear.Chapter 12 — The Minister's Vigil (39% in)
- The father of the Custom-House—the patriarch, not only of this little squad of officials, but, I am bold to say, of the respectable body of tide-waiters all over the United States—was a certain permanent Inspector.Introductory (32% in)
There are no more uses of "patriarch" in The Scarlet Letter.
Typical Usage
(best examples)