highfather

== English == === Alternative forms === high-father, high father === Etymology === Perhaps from Middle English hehfader, heahfeder, from Old English hēahfæder (“patriarch”, literally “high-father”); or perhaps a direct borrowing of the Old English word, equivalent to high +‎ father. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈhaɪ ˌfɑːðə/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈhaɪ ˌfɑːðɚ/ === Noun === highfather (plural highfathers) (rare) A respected, high-ranking male elder or leader; a patriarch; a forefather; a grandfather.