Definitions for: Paterfamilias

[n] the head of family or tribe

Webster (1913) Definition: Pa`ter*fa*mil`i*as, n.; pl. Pateresfamilias.
[L., fr. pater father + familias, gen. of familia family.]
(Rom. Law)
The head of a family; in a large sense, the proprietor of an
estate; one who is his own master.

Synonyms: head of household, patriarch

See Also: chief, head, top dog