patrician
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Alternative forms [edit]
- patritian (obsolete)
Pronunciation [edit]
Etymology [edit]
Middle French patricien, from Latin patricius, derived from patres conscripti (“Roman senators”).
Noun [edit]
patrician (plural patricians)
- 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 senior class of Romans, who, with certain property, had by right a seat in the Roman Senate.
- A person of high birth; a nobleman.
- One familiar with the works of the Christian Fathers; one versed in patristic lore or life.
Translations [edit]
member of Roman aristocracy
Adjective [edit]
patrician (comparative more patrician, superlative most patrician)
- Of or pertaining to the Roman patres (fathers) or senators, or patricians.
- Of, pertaining to, or appropriate to, a person of high birth; noble; not plebeian.
- Of or pertaining to St. Patrick.
