n. [ Gr. patriarchi`a. ] 1. The jurisdiction of a patriarch; patriarchship. Brerewood. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Government by a patriarch; patriarchism. [ 1913 Webster ]
n.; pl. Triarchies [ Gr. &unr_;; &unr_; (see Tri-) + &unr_; to rule. ] Government by three persons; a triumvirate; also, a country under three rulers. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]