pā̆trŭus, i, m. [pater, like the Sanscr. pitrivya, patruus, from pitri], a father's brother, paternal uncle (opp. avunculus, a mother's brother, maternal uncle); cf. Dig. 38, 10, 10.
I Lit.: L. Cicero patruus, Cic. de Or. 2, 1, 2: tutor et patruus, id. Verr. 2, 1, 53, § 139; Hor. S. 1, 6, 131: patruus magnus = frater avi, Dig. 38, 10, 10: patruus major = frater proavi, Tac. A. 12, 22; Dig. 38, 10, 10: major patruus = avi et aviae patruus, Paul. ex Fest. p. 136 Müll.: patruus maximus = frater abavi, id. ib. Fragm. 17; plur., Juv. 1, 158; 6, 567.—
II Transf., a severe reprover (as uncles are apt to co towards their nephews): pertristis quidam patruus, censor, magister, Cic. Cael. 11, 25: ne sis patruus mihi, Hor. S. 2, 3, 88: cum sapimus patruos, Pers. 1, 11; Manil. 5, 449.