father in a literal and {immediate} or figurative and remote application

1. father of an individual

2. of God as father of his people

3. head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan

4. ancestor

a. grandfather, forefathers -- of person

b. of people

5. originator or patron of a class, profession, or art

6. of producer, generator (fig.)

7. of benevolence and protection (fig.)

8. term of respect and honour

9. ruler or chief (spec.)