1. A Hindoo trader, merchant, cashier, or
money changer.
Alternative forms: banyan.
2. A man's
loose gown,
like that worn by the Banians.
3.
The Indian fig. See Banyan. Banian days, days in which the sailors have no flesh meat served out to them. This use seems to be borrowed from the Banians or Banya race, who ate no flesh.
Origin: Skr. Banij merchant. The wood was so named by the English, because used as a market seat by the merchants.
Source: Websters Vocabulary