Paterfamilias
/ˌpætərfəˈmɪliæs/
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Authority
Originally implies absolute control; think of old legal systems where men ruled families. 
As the paterfamilias, he decided the profession of his sons.
Pro Tip 2/3Traditional Use
Strongly associated with historical or traditional settings; rarely used in modern, egalitarian discussions. 
The paterfamilias would oversee the entire lineage's affairs.
Pro Tip 3/3Archaic Tone
Can sound archaic. Use it to evoke a sense of antiquity or in discussing ancient history. 
In the play, the paterfamilias cursed his fate under Roman law.
Compare with
HouseholderPatriarch
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