noun
brahmin
BRAH-mihn
noun
1
A member of the priestly, scholarly caste in traditional Hindu society, the highest of the four main social classes.
"The temple rituals were led by a brahmin priest."
2
A member of an old, cultured, and somewhat exclusive social elite, especially one associated with New England.
"The family were regarded as Boston brahmins, with roots going back generations."
How to Use Brahmin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOriginally the priestly caste in Hindu society; by extension, any highly educated, old-money social elite.
Common pairings
Boston brahmin
brahmin priest
brahmin caste
Word Forms
brahmins plural
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Etymology
From Sanskrit brāhmaṇa, borrowed into English through French and Portuguese.