Pa*tri"cian (?), a. [L. patricius, fr. patres fathers or senators, pl. of pater: cf. F. patricien. See Paternal.]

1. Rom. Antiq.

Of or pertaining to the Roman patres (fathers) or senators, or patricians.

2.

Of, pertaining to, or appropriate to, a person of high birth; noble; not plebeian.

Born in the patrician file of society. Sir W. Scott.

His horse's hoofs wet with patrician blood. Addison.

 

© Webster 1913.


Pa*tri"cian, n. [L. patricius: cf. F. patricien.]

1. Rom. Antiq.

Originally, a member of any of the families constituting the populus Romanus, or body of Roman citizens, before the development of the plebeian order; later, one who, by right of birth or by special privilege conferred, belonged to the nobility.

2.

A person of high birth; a nobleman.

3.

One familiar with the works of the Christian Fathers; one versed in patristic lore.

[R.]

Colridge.

 

© Webster 1913.

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