ethnarch

[ eth-nahrk ]

noun

1. the ruler of a people, tribe, or nation.

ethnarch

/ ˈɛθnɑːk /

noun

1. the ruler of a people or province, as in parts of the Roman and Byzantine Empires

Derived Forms

• ˈethnarchy, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ethnarch¹

From the Greek word ethnárchēs, dating back to 1635–45. See ethno-, -arch

Word History and Origins

Origin of ethnarch¹

C17: from Greek ethnarkhēs, from ethnos nation + arkhein to rule

Example Sentences

At his death, the countries over which he had reigned were divided among his three sons, but they were not allowed to take the title of kings; they were called ethnarchs or tetrarchs.

From Project Gutenberg

Archelaus had been designated king by Herod, with Judea, Samaria, and Idumea as his kingdom; but the emperor allowed him only the territory, with the title ethnarch.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the word he uses for 'ethnarch,' Contra Flaccum, § 10.

From Project Gutenberg

Archelaus, who claimed the whole succession, was appointed simply as ethnarch of Judea, while Herod's two other sons, Philip and Herod Antipas, divided the rest of his dominions.

From Project Gutenberg

Their priesthood was less to them than the predominance which was based upon it; they looked upon the neighbouring ethnarchs as their equals, and maintained relations of friendship with them.

From Project Gutenberg