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patrician

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. Born in the patrician file of society. (Sir W. Scott) His horse's hoofs wet with patrician blood. (Addison)

Origin: L. Patricius, fr. Patres fathers or senators, pl. Of pater: cf. F. Patricien. See Paternal.

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 nobility.

2. A person of high birth; a nobleman.

3. One familiar with the works of the Christian fathers; one versed in patristic lore.

Origin: L. Patricius: cf. F. Patricien.