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.
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.