1. in ancient Athens, a wealthy citizen required to equip and maintain a warship for the state
Usage: historical; ancient Greek

Examples

• The trierarch was responsible for funding the crew and equipment of his assigned trireme.
• Wealthy Athenians served as trierarchs as part of their civic duty to the state.
• The trierarch system allowed Athens to maintain a powerful navy without direct government funding.
• Being appointed as a trierarch was both an honor and a significant financial burden.
• The trierarch would often sail with his ship during military campaigns.
• Ancient records show that some trierarchs spent enormous sums outfitting their vessels.