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. | 
