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.