Category:Patrician

Pa*tri"cian, a. Etym: [l. patricius, fr. patres fathers or senators, Pl. of pater: cf. F. patricien. See paternal.]

1. (rom. Antiq.)

Defn: of or pertaining to the roman patres (fathers) or senators, or Patricians.

2. Of, pertaining to, or appropriate to, a person of high birth; Noble; not plebeian. Born in the patrician file of society. Sir w. Scott. His horse's hoofs wet with patrician blood. Addison.

Patrician Pa*tri"cian, n. Etym: [l. patricius: cf. F. patricien.]

1. (rom. Antiq.)

Defn: originally, a member of any of the families constituting the Populus romanus, or body of roman citizens, before the development of The plebeian order; later, one who, by right of birth or by special Privilege conferred, belonged to the nobility.

2. A person of high birth; a nobleman.

3. One familiar with the works of the christian fathers; one versed In patristic lore. [r.] Colridge.