Definition

• n. - One who has begotten a child, whether son or daughter; a generator; a male parent.
• n. - A male ancestor more remote than a parent; a progenitor; especially, a first ancestor; a founder of a race or family; -- in the plural, fathers, ancestors.
• n. - One who performs the offices of a parent by maintenance, affetionate care, counsel, or protection.
• n. - A respectful mode of address to an old man.
• n. - A senator of ancient Rome.
• n. - A dignitary of the church, a superior of a convent, a confessor (called also father confessor), or a priest; also, the eldest member of a profession, or of a legislative assembly, etc.