a system of society or government ruled by a woman or women 母权制社会;妇女统治 ■a form of social organization in which descent and relationship are reckoned through the female line 母系氏族制 ■[mass noun]the state of being an older, powerful woman in a family or group 女家长的地位,女长者的地位 she cherished a dream of matriarchy—catered to by grandchildren. 她梦想成为女家长,有儿孙们唯命是听的服侍。