matriarchate

English

Etymology

From matriarch +‎ -ate (forms nouns denoting rank or office, a system ruled by people of such office), modeled after patriarchate.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈmeɪtɹiɑːkət/

Noun

matriarchate (plural matriarchates)

  1. A matriarchal system or community. [from 19th c.]
    • 1941, George Ryley Scott, Phallic Worship: A History of Sex and Sex Rites in Relation to the Religions of All Races from Antiquity to the Present Day, London: T. Werner Laurie, page 15:
      The fact that in most lands the moon was originally a female deity has led many historians to dispute the superiority of the moon over the sun in ancient mythology. In putting forth this argument they overlook one important and significant factor: the existence of a matriarchate preceding the domination of woman by man. That such a condition was perfectly natural will be realized when it is remembered there was no recognition of the part played by the male in fecundation.
    • 1990, Camille Paglia, Sexual Personae:
      Like Byron's seraglio, the boudoir is a matriarchate guarded by eunuchs […].
  2. The position of a matriarch.

Usage notes

In the context of political science, this term would describe a kind of polity.

Translations

See also

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