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