brahmin

From Sanskrit ब्राह्मण (brā́hmaṇa).

brahmin (plural brahmins)

1. A member of the Hindu priestly caste, one of the four varnas or social groups based on occupation in ancient Hindu society.

   Synonym: brahmana

2. One who has realized or attempts to realize Brahman, i.e. God or supreme knowledge.
3. A scholar, teacher, priest, intellectual, researcher, scientist, knowledge-seeker, or knowledge worker.
4. A social and cultural elite, especially in the New England region of the USA.
   • 2018, Zach Dorfman, "How to Kill a Presidential Scandal," Foreign Policy:

     In Iran-Contra, the independent counsel investigating the scandal, Lawrence Walsh, was a deadly serious Brahmin lawyer with a sterling Republican pedigree; he nevertheless faced withering criticism from members of his own party, just as special counsel Robert Mueller has as he investigates Trump and his circle.

5. A learned person of refined taste and mild manners.

• Brahmin, brahman
• Bramin (dated)

• Boston Brahmin
• Brahminical

brahmin (not comparable)

1. Scholarly.

• brahminic
• brahminical