Here's a breakdown of the term:
* Antediluvian: This word comes from the Latin "ante" (before) and "diluvium" (flood). It specifically refers to the time period before the biblical Flood, which is often used as a synonym for ancient or very old.
* Patriarch: This term signifies a male leader or father figure, particularly within a family or tribe, often with a significant degree of authority.
Therefore, an "antediluvian patriarch" is a male leader or ancestor who lived before the biblical Great Flood and is often associated with figures like Adam, Noah, Seth, and Methuselah. They are often depicted as long-lived individuals who represent the beginning of human history and lineage according to biblical tradition.