arch-

(Greek: beginning; the first, the leader, the ruler; being first has two different, but often related, meanings: one meaning indicated first in time; another indicated first in importance)

In many cultures, being the first-born holds many privileges, both legal and traditional

The family of words with the common root of arch seem to have words which are quite different from each other; however, they all have something in common: they are all related to the idea of "first".

Being first has at least two different, but often related, meanings: one meaning indicates first in time while another indicates first in importance.

—Compiled from information located in
Words Come in Families by Edward Horowitz, Ph.D.;
Hart Publishing Company, Inc.; New York; 1977; pages 21-23.
patriarch (s) (noun), patriarchs (pl)
The father or ruler of a family or group: Abraham was a Biblical patriarch who is said to be the founder of the Hebrew tribe.

Extend your knowledge by clicking on this arch- link for more "chief, principal leader" words.