Definition of "patrician" in English

noun

1. (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.

2. A person of high birth; a nobleman.

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

adjective

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

2. Of or pertaining to a person of high birth; noble; not plebeian; aristocratic.

3. Characteristic of or appropriate to a person of high birth; classy.

4. Politically active to help people in lower classes, especially in a patronizing or condescending way.