| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|ärkəl, -|ȧk- adjective
Etymology: Late Latin patriarchalis, from patriarcha patriarch + -alis -al
1. : of or relating to a patriarch or patriarchs : governed by or subject to patriarchs : of the nature or rank of a patriarch
political independence was … at times preceded by the throwing off of the patriarchal yoke — K.S.Latourette
2. : resembling or suggesting a patriarch : ancient , venerable
the long bearded moss festoons the branches … a young yellow birch has a venerable, patriarchal look, and seems ill at ease under such premature honors — John Burroughs
• pa·tri·ar·chal·ly -kəlē adverb