Brahman (Noun)
Meaning 1
The highest of the four varnas: the priestly or sacerdotal category.
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The brahman was responsible for performing the sacred rituals and ceremonies in the ancient Indian community.
- In Hindu society, the brahman was considered the highest of the four varnas and was revered for his knowledge of the sacred scriptures.
- The brahman's role was not only to perform rituals but also to provide spiritual guidance to the community.
- According to tradition, the brahman was born with a sacred thread that symbolized his connection to the divine.
- The brahman's expertise in interpreting the Vedas and Upanishads made him a respected figure in ancient Indian society.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
A member of a social and cultural elite (especially a descendant of an old New England family); "a Boston brahman".
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The old money families in Boston considered themselves to be the true brahmans of American society.
- As a direct descendant of a prominent New England family, he was widely regarded as a brahman by his contemporaries.
- The brahmans of Beacon Hill have historically maintained a tight grip on Boston's cultural institutions.
- Being a brahman in 19th-century New England meant you were part of an exclusive social club that set the tone for the rest of society.
- At Harvard, the alumni association was dominated by brahmans who networked and socialized with one another.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 3
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.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The rancher opted to raise Brahman cattle due to their reputation for being heat and tick resistant.
- Brahman cattle are known for their distinctive humps and greyish coloring.
- The use of Brahman cattle in crossbreeding has become increasingly popular in recent years due to their hardiness.
- In the Gulf States, Brahman cattle have been widely used for decades to create heat-tolerant breeds.
- The farmer's Brahman cattle thrived in the hot and humid climate of his farm.
Synonyms
Meaning 4
A member of the highest of the four Hindu varnas; "originally all brahmans were priests".
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The Brahman priest performed a sacred ritual to purify the mind and soul.
- In ancient India, a Brahman was considered a member of the highest caste, responsible for maintaining sacred knowledge.
- According to tradition, the Brahman's role was to act as a mediator between the gods and humans.
- As a Brahman, he was expected to maintain a simple and austere lifestyle, dedicating himself to spiritual pursuits.
- The village elder, a respected Brahman, was called upon to interpret the ancient scriptures and provide guidance to his community.