brahmins

1 definition found

brahmins - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Brahman \Brah"man\, Brahmin \Brah"min\, n.; pl. Brahmans,
     Brahmins. [Skr. Br[=a]hmana (cf. Brahman worship, holiness;
     the God Brahma, also Brahman): cf. F. Brahmane, Brachmane,
     Bramine, L. Brachmanae, -manes, -mani, pl., Gr. ?, pl.]
     1. A person of the highest or sacerdotal caste among the
        Hindus.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Brahman bull (Zool.), the male of a variety of the zebu, or
        Indian ox, considered sacred by the Hindus.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. a person from an old, respected, and usually wealthy
        family who has considerable social or political influence;
        -- a term used especially in New England; as, a Boston
        brahmin.
        [PJC]