Patrician
WordNet
adjective
(1) Of the hereditary aristocracy or ruling class of ancient Rome or medieval Europe; of honorary nobility in the Byzantine empire
(2) Belonging to or characteristic of the nobility or aristocracy
"An aristocratic family"
"Aristocratic Bostonians"
"Aristocratic government"
"A blue family"
"Blue blood"
"The blue-blooded aristocracy"
"Of gentle blood"
"Patrician landholders of the American South"
"Aristocratic bearing"
"Aristocratic features"
"Patrician tastes"
noun
(3) A member of the aristocracy
(4) A person of refined upbringing and manners
WiktionaryText
Etymology
, from , derived from .
Noun
- 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 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.
Adjective
- 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.