She may be a kindly, matriarchal figure, but she holds the keys in the way, as an officer, she once held a pistol.

A matriarchal figure stirred a mighty pan of couscous as it warmed over an open fire.

Both matriarchal figures had adages and meises (or old wives tales) for all occasions.

She is best known for playing matriarchal figures in the films A Family Thing, Soul Food and The Ladykillers.

Sycorax has been described as the matriarchal figure of The Tempest.

She owns a tavern in Amphipolis, and is a prominent matriarchal figure in the community.

Dr. Hardy, a tall, black matriarchal figure who mixes sternness and tenderness in nudging her charges to perform, is central to the transformation.

The matriarchal figure keeps silent about her struggles, knowing that the same final pain visits everyone.

Hammond was installed as a matriarchal figure of the Jackson clan but quit the role in 1997, reportedly because she was suffering from nervous exhaustion.

Lorraine Graves was an especially powerful matriarchal figure.