trierarchy
(trī′ər är′kē)
noun pl. trierarchies
- the rank, authority, or duties of a trierarch
- trierarchs collectively
- the system by which trierarchs built, outfitted, and maintained triremes for the state
Origin:
Gr triērarchia
See trierarchy in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun pl. tri·er·ar·chies - The authority or office of the commander of a trierarch.
- The ancient Athenian system whereby individual citizens furnished and maintained triremes as a part of their public duty.