Patrician

Quick meaning: Patrician is a noun meaning A person of high birth; a nobleman.

Meaning

A person of high birth; a nobleman.

More Meanings

1. One familiar with the works of the Christian Fathers; one versed in patristic lore or life.
2. Of or pertaining to the Roman patres (“fathers”) or senators, or patricians.
3. Of or pertaining to a person of high birth; noble; not plebeian; aristocratic.
4. Characteristic of or appropriate to a person of high birth; classy.
5. Politically active to help people in lower classes, especially in a patronizing or condescending way.
6. (Ancient Rome) 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 senior class of Romans, who, with certain property, had by right a seat in the Roman Senate.

Example Sentences

born in the patrician file of society

The emperor elevated several loyal families to the status of patricians.

Noble Patricians, Patrons of my right, / Defend the iuſtice of my Cauſe with Armes.

The cognomen was first used in patrician families, who were distinguished from the plebeians by their three names.

Word Forms

• patricians
• patritian

Synonyms for patrician

Depending on context, synonyms include noble, blue-blooded, aristocrat, aristocratic, aristocratical, gentle.

Antonyms for patrician

Common opposites include plebeian, proletarian, propertyless.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include aristocrat, aristocratical, aristocratic, noble, blue-blooded, gentle.

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