Both Uses of
patriarch
in
The Scarlet Letter
- 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.†
p. 17.5
- 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.†
p. 140.2 *
Definition:
a usually elderly man who is the leader of a group such as a family or tribe