matriarchate

American  

[mey-tree-ahr-kit, -keyt] / ˈmeɪ triˌɑr kɪt, -keɪt /

noun

1. a matriarchal system or community.

2. a social order formerly believed to have preceded patriarchal tribal society in the early period of human communal life, embodying rule by the mothers, or by all adult women.

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matriarchate British  

/ -keɪt, ˈmeɪtrɪˌɑːkɪt /

noun

1. rare a family or people under female domination or government

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Etymology

Origin of matriarchate

First recorded in 1880–85; matriarch + -ate ³

Example Sentences

On such an established fact rests the assumption of a matriarchate, or period of Mutterrecht.

From Taboo and Genetics A Study of the Biological, Sociological and Psychological Foundation of the Family by Knight, Melvin Moses

One great source of confusion has arisen through the acceptance by the supporters of the matriarchate of the view that men and women lived originally in a state of promiscuity.

From The Position of Woman in Primitive Society A Study of the Matriarchy by Hartley, C. Gasquoine (Catherine Gasquoine)

Often women established their own claims and all property was held by them; which under favourable circumstances developed into what may literally be called a matriarchate.

From The Position of Woman in Primitive Society A Study of the Matriarchy by Hartley, C. Gasquoine (Catherine Gasquoine)

The term "matriarchate" encouraged this fallacy and has gone out of use.

From Folkways A Study of the Sociological Importance of Usages, Manners, Customs, Mores, and Morals by Sumner, William Graham

A patriarchal age could not, therefore, have invented the matriarchate, and the myths which describe the latter may be regarded as trustworthy witnesses of its historical existence.

From The Position of Woman in Primitive Society A Study of the Matriarchy by Hartley, C. Gasquoine (Catherine Gasquoine)