Patrician

Pronunciation

• IPA: /pÉ™trˈɪʃən/
• Rhymes: -ɪʃən

Alternative forms

• patritian obsolete

Origin

Middle French patricien, from Latin patricius, derived from patres conscripti ("Roman senators").

Full definition of patrician

Noun

1. 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.
2. A person of high birth; a nobleman.
3. One familiar with the works of the Christian Fathers; one versed in patristic lore or life.

Adjective

1. 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.
• Sir Walter Scottborn in the patrician file of society
• Addisonhis horse's hoofs wet with patrician blood