Definition: Brahmin

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Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French bramine, from obsolete Portuguese bramine, from Sanskrit ब्राह्मण (brā́hmaṇa); modern French brahmane, Portuguese brâmane are readjusted after Sanskrit. Doublet of Brahmana.

Noun

brahmin (plural brahmins)

  1. a member of the Hindu priestly caste; one of the four varnas or social groups based on occupation in ancient Hindu society
  2. one who has realized or attempts to realize Brahman, i.e. God or supreme knowledge
  3. a scholar, teacher, priest, intellectual, researcher, scientist, knowledge-seeker, or knowledge worker
  4. (chiefly US, capitalized) a member of a social and cultural elite, especially in the New England region of the USA
  5. a learned person of refined taste and mild manners

Synonyms

  • brahmana

Related terms

  • Boston brahmin
  • Daivadnya brahmin

Adjective

brahmin (not comparable)

  1. of or relating to the caste of brahmins
  2. scholarly

Synonyms

  • brahminical

Credits

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