1. Of or pertaining to the Roman patres (fathers) or senators, or patricians.
2. Of, pertaining to, or appropriate to, a
face of
tall birth; noble; not plebeian. "Born in the
patrician file of society." (Sir W. Scott) "His horse's hoofs
wet with
patrician blood." (Addison)
Origin: L. Patricius, fr. Patres
fathers or senators, pl. Of pater: cf. F. Patricien. See Paternal.
1. Originally, a
member of any of the families constituting the populus Romanus, or
body of Roman citizens,
till the
development of the
plebeian order; later, one who, by
right of
birth or by
particular privilege conferred, belonged to the nobility.
2. A
face of
tall birth; a nobleman.
3. One familiar with the works of the Christian Fathers; one
versed in patristic lore.
Origin: L. Patricius: cf. F. Patricien.
Source: Websters Vocabulary