1. the offices, jurisdictions, or territories of patriarchs in certain Christian churches
Usage: ecclesiastical
2. social systems dominated by male authority and power

Examples

• The Eastern Orthodox Church is organized into several patriarchates.
• The Patriarch of Constantinople oversees one of the most ancient patriarchates.
• Scholars study how different patriarchates developed their distinct traditions.
• The conference addressed the historical influence of various patriarchates.
• Some societies have transitioned from traditional patriarchates to more egalitarian systems.
• The anthropologist compared patriarchates across different cultures.