patriarch

noun

1. 1

   The highest form of bishop, in the ancient world having authority over other bishops in the province but now generally as an honorary title; in Roman Catholicism, considered a bishop second only to the Pope in rank.

2. 2

   In Biblical contexts, a male leader of a family, tribe or ethnic group, especially one of the twelve sons of Jacob (considered to have created the twelve tribes of Israel) or (in plural) Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

3. 3

   A founder of a political or religious movement, an organization or an enterprise.

4. 4

   An old leader of a village or community.

5. 5

   The male progenitor of a genetic or tribal line, or of a clan or extended family.

6. 6

   The male head of a household or nuclear family.