PATRIARCH'S AGE

PRONUNCIATION: (PAY-tree-arks ayj)

MEANING: noun:
1. A very long time.
2. A very advanced age.

ETYMOLOGY: From patriarch, from Greek patriarches (father or chief of a family), from patria (lineage) + -arche (ruler), + age. Earliest documented use: 1693.
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PATRIARCH SAGE - an herb purported to confer fertility, long life and wisdom

PA TRI-ARCH STAGE - the father of all three-part performance venues, each covered by a curved canopy

PATRIARCH'S ACE - when you get venerable enough, a high card concealed up your sleeve is not only condoned, it's expected