founder; patriarch; originator
Meanings
4 senses · 9 examplesnoun
founder of a school or faction in academia or technology
Refers to the originator of a particular academic discipline, artistic school, or technical tradition.
He is the founder of this school of thought.
This scientist is revered as the founder of modern physics.
noun
founder of a Buddhist or Daoist sect
formalIn religious contexts, often translated as 'patriarch'. Capitalized when referring to specific historical figures like Bodhidharma.
The patriarch of Zen Buddhism is Bodhidharma.
This temple enshrines the patriarch of our sect.
noun
founder of a secret society or religious sect (as referred to by members)
technicalSpecific to the terminology used within secret societies (会道门) and underground religious movements in Chinese history.
Members of the secret society respectfully refer to the founder as the patriarch.
The patriarch founded this sect.
noun
founder of a traditional handicraft trade (as referred to by craftsmen)
traditionalAlso called 祖师爷 (zǔshīyé). Refers to the legendary or historical figure credited with inventing a particular craft, such as Lu Ban for carpentry.
Carpenters revere Lu Ban as the patron/founder of their trade.
Who is the founder of the winemaking industry?
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Every trade has its own patron founder.