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patria potestas

noun
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pa·​tria po·​tes·​tas | \ ¦pä‧trēəpōˈteˌstäs \

Definition of patria potestas

: the power of the head of a Roman family over his wife, children, agnatic descendants, slaves, and freedmen including originally the right to punish by death and always embracing complete control over the limited personal and private rights and duties of all members of the family — compare paterfamilias

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History and Etymology for patria potestas

Latin, power of a father

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Dictionary Entries Near patria potestas

patrial

patria potestas

patriarch

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Cite this Entry

“Patria potestas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patria%20potestas. Accessed 17 Aug. 2022.

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