Legal Definitions - paterfamilias

Paterfamilias is a Latin term used in Roman law to refer to the male head of a family or household. This person is the senior ascendant male and has power over other family members.

• A father who has control over his children's lives and decisions.
• A grandfather who has power over his son, his son's wife, and their children.

These examples illustrate how the paterfamilias had complete control over the lives of his family members. He could make decisions for them, punish them, and even sell them into slavery. This power was gradually reduced over time, but it was still a significant part of Roman family life.