[f. TRI- + -arch in tetrarch: cf. Gr. τρίαρχος chief ruler, and next.]
1. The ruler of one of three divisions of a country or territory.
1886. J. Bury, in Jrnl. Hellenic Stud., VII. 314. These three lords were called the terzieri (tierciers) of Negroponte. Hopf calls them Dreiherrn, and we may call them triarchs. Ibid., 321. William laid claim … to the north of Euboia, calling himself a triarch.
2. In Fourier’s social organization: A ruler of the third (ascending) rank.
1848. Tait’s Mag., XV. 706. There will be duarchs for four phalanx, triarchs for 12, tetrarchs for 48, and so on until the douzarch reigns over a million.
Hence Triarchate, rare–1. [cf. patriarchate], an association of three rulers.
1881. H. Hartshorne, 1931: A Glance at the 20th C., 15. Then, the triarchate; is it not surprising? Pope, Patriarch, and Primate of Canterbury! Roman, Greek, and Anglican, united at last! A dread of the last century ecclesiastics is fulfilled,—alas, too late; for the glory has departed from the tiara, the crozier, and the mitre altogether.
