paterfamilias means A man who is the head of a household, family or tribe. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 82 out of 100.
Why “paterfamilias” is a great word
PATERFAMILIAS — [Noun] The male head of a household or family, embodying its legal authority and social responsibility. From the Latin pater ("father") and familiās, archaic genitive of familia ("family, household"), literally "father of the family". Entered English in the late 15th century. Unlike "patriarch," which implies venerable leadership over a clan or tribe, or "householder," which denotes mere residency or tenancy, *paterfamilias* evokes a specific, juridical dominion. It is the heavy iron keyring at his belt, the solitary chair at the head of a long table, and the final silhouette in the doorway as the lamp is extinguished—an office defined not by affection, but by the weight of absolute, solitary responsibility.
Etymology
(c. 1425 to 1475) From late Middle English paterfamilias, from Latin pater familiās. From Latin pater (“father”) + familiās, archaic genitive of familia (“family; household”). Literally, "father of the family" or "father of the household".
noun
- A man who is the head of a household, family or tribe.