brahmin

English

noun
Definitions
  • A member of the Hindu priestly caste, one of the four varnas or social groups based on occupation in ancient Hindu society.
  • One who has realized or attempts to realize Brahman, i.e. God or supreme knowledge.
  • A scholar, teacher, priest, intellectual, researcher, scientist, knowledge-seeker, or knowledge worker.
  • A member of a social and cultural elite, especially in the New England region of the USA.
  • A learned person of refined taste and mild manners.

Etymology

Derived from Sanskrit ब्राह्मण (divine, knower of divine knowledge, relating to a Brahmin).

Origin

Sanskrit

ब्राह्मण

Gloss

divine, knower of divine knowledge, relating to a Brahmin

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms