281. Mother

See also 77. CHILDREN ; 153. FATHER ; 307. PARENTS ; 327. PREGNANCY .

matriarchy

a system of social order wherein final authority is vested in the mother or eldest female and in which descent is reckoned in the female line. —matriarchal , adj.

matricentric

tending to move toward or centering upon the mother.

matricide

1. the killing of one’s mother.

2. one who has killed his mother. —matricidal , adj.

matriliny

tracing of descent through the mother’s side of a family. —matrilinear , adj.

momism

an excessive attachment and devotion of children to their mothers, resulting in a child’s dependence and failure to achieve emotional emancipation.