Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of the highest Hindu caste, traditionally priests and scholars: A "brahmin" is a member of the priestly and intellectual class, the highest of the four main social divisions (varnas) in traditional Hindu society.
   • A socially or culturally elite person, especially from an established upper-class family: In a figurative sense, especially in American English, a "brahmin" refers to a person considered part of a social, intellectual, or cultural aristocracy.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Hindu caste):
• Noun (Social/cultural elite):

Advanced Usage

• "Boston Brahmin": A specific term for a member of a traditional, influential, and often wealthy upper-class family from New England, particularly Boston.

Variants and Related Words

• Brahman (noun): An alternative spelling for "brahmin," especially when referring to the Hindu caste. It can also refer to a breed of cattle.
• Brahminical (adjective): Relating to brahmins or their practices.

Synonyms

• Highbrow (for the elite sense): An intellectual or culturally sophisticated person.
• Aristocrat (for the elite sense): A member of the highest social class.
• Pandit (for the Hindu sense): A learned person or teacher, often a brahmin.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The primary meaning relates to the Hindu social and religious system.
• The secondary, figurative meaning is primarily used in American English to describe an established elite, disconnected from the original religious context. The two meanings should not be confused.

Noun

1. any of several breeds of Indian cattle; especially a large American heat and tick resistant greyish humped breed evolved in the Gulf States by interbreeding Indian cattle and now used chiefly for crossbreeding
2. the highest of the four varnas: the priestly or sacerdotal category
3. a member of the highest of the four Hindu varnas
   • originally all brahmans were priests
4. a member of a social and cultural elite (especially a descendant of an old New England family)
   • a Boston brahman