PATRICIANS
Noun
patricians
plural of patrician
Source: Wiktionary
PATRICIAN
Pa*tri"cian, a. Etym: [L. patricius, fr. patres fathers or senators,
pl. of pater: cf. F. patricien. See Paternal.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.)
Definition: 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.
Pa*tri"cian, n. Etym: [L. patricius: cf. F. patricien.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.)
Definition: 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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition