patrician
pronunciation
How to pronounce patrician in British English:
UK [pəˈtrɪʃn]
How to pronounce patrician in American English:
US [pəˈtrɪʃən]
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- Noun:
- a person of refined upbringing and manners
- a member of the aristocracy
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- Adjective:
- of the hereditary aristocracy or ruling class of ancient Rome or medieval Europe; of honorary nobility in the Byzantine empire
- belonging to or characteristic of the nobility or aristocracy
Word Origin
- patrician
- patrician: see patron
- patrician (n.)
- early 15c., "member of the ancient Roman noble order," from Middle French patricien, from Latin patricius "of the rank of the nobles, of the senators; of fatherly dignity," from patres conscripti "Roman senators," literally "fathers," plural of pater "father" (see father (n.)). Contrasted, in ancient Rome, with plebeius. Applied to noble citizens and higher orders of free folk in medieval Italian and German cities (sense attested in English from 1610s); hence "nobleman, aristocrat" in a modern sense (1630s). As an adjective, attested from 1610s, from the noun.
Example
- 1. Do you know what that means ? Patrician ?
- 2. The prime minister , james craig , was a patrician landowner and proud orangeman .