matripotestal

[ ma-tree-poh-tes-tl, mey- ]
/ ˌmæ tri poʊˈtɛs tl, ˌmeɪ- /

adjective Anthropology.

of or relating to the authority exercised by a mother or a mother's blood relatives.

Origin of matripotestal

matri- + potestal < Latin potest(ās) power + -al1

Example sentences from the Web for matripotestal

  • For our present purpose, all turns on the distinction between the matripotestal and the patripotestal family.

    Anthropology |Robert Marett
  • This is known as the matripotestal, as contrasted with the patripotestal, type of family.

    Anthropology |Robert Marett