A father who plays a dominating role as the head of a family, or is regarded as exemplifying fatherly virtues as recognized in ancient Rome; a paterfamilias.
Origin
Mid 18th century.
Definition of Roman father in US English:
Roman father
noun
A father who plays a dominating role as the head of a family, or is regarded as exemplifying fatherly virtues as recognized in ancient Rome; a paterfamilias.