familia

noun

fa·​mil·​ia
fəˈmilēə,
-lyə
plural familiae
-lēˌē,
-lēˌī
1
Roman law : the paterfamilias, his legitimate descendants and their wives, and all persons adopted into his family and their wives compare potestas
2
old English law
a
: the servants of one master
b
: a quantity of land adequate for the maintenance of one family

Word History

Etymology

Latin

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near familia

Cite this Entry

“Familia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/familia. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!