trierarch

[ trahy-uh-rahrk ]

noun

, Greek History.

1. the commander of a trireme.
2. (in Athens) a citizen who, singly, or jointly with other citizens, was required to fit out a trireme for the public service.

trierarch

/ ˈtraɪəˌrɑːk /

noun

1. a citizen responsible for fitting out a state trireme, esp in Athens
2. the captain of a trireme

Word History and Origins

Origin of trierarch¹

1650–60; < Greek triḗrarchos , equivalent to triḗr ( ēs ) trireme + archós commander. See tri-, -arch

Word History and Origins

Origin of trierarch¹

C17: from Latin, from Greek triērarkhos , from triērēs equipped with three banks of oars + arkhein to command

Example Sentences

Trierarch, trī′ėr-�rk, n. the commander of an ancient Greek trireme—also a person obliged to furnish ships to the state.—adj.

From Project Gutenberg

Trī′erarchy, the office of trierarch: the system of requisitioning vessels from wealthy citizens.

From Project Gutenberg

On the deck above the hearty shouts of Ameinias the trierarch, and chanting of the seamen told that on the Nausicaä at least there would be no slackness in the fight.

From Project Gutenberg

And will you still deny me equal voice and vote with this noble trierarch from Siphinos with his one, or with his comrade from Melos with his twain?”

From Project Gutenberg

The captain, or "trierarch," commanded implicit obedience.

From Project Gutenberg