Patrician definition
Someone who is very well-to-do and who attends private schools throughout his childhood is an example of someone who would be described as having a patrician upbringing.
- A member of any of the ancient Roman citizen families.
- Later, a member of the nobility.
- A member of a class of honorary nobility of the later Empire.
- A chief administrator in the Roman provinces in Africa and Italy.
A member of the royal family is an example of someone who is patrician.
Other Word Forms
Noun
Origin of patrician
- Middle English patricion from Old French patricien from Latin patricius from patrēs (cōnscrīptī) enrolled fathers, senators pl. of pater patr- father pəter- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- Middle French patricien, from Latin patricius, derived from patres conscripti (“Roman senators").
From Wiktionary