The term MATRIARCHS can be broken down into two crossword solutions: DAMES and MAMAS. Dames are women of high social rank or title, such as a noblewoman or a woman who holds a title of the British Empire. Mamas are informal terms for mothers, usually used in a loving and affectionate manner. Both terms refer to female figures of authority and respect, and are often used to describe matriarchs, or female heads of families or communities.