Definition of "banyan" in English

noun

1. An Indian trader, merchant, cashier, or money changer.

2. A tropical Indian fig tree, Ficus benghalensis, that has many aerial roots.

3. Various other trees of the Ficus subgenus Urostigma, especially Ficus pertusa (Central American banyan) and Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan or Malayan banyan).

4. A type of loose gown worn in India.

5. (India, Pakistan) A vest; an undershirt; a singlet.

6. (British, naval slang, dated) A camping excursion on shore, to give a ship's crew a break from shipboard routine.