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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Of, pertaining to, or appropriate to, a person of high birth; noble; not plebeian. [ 1913 Webster ]

Born in the patrician file of society. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

His horse's hoofs wet with patrician blood. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A person of high birth; a nobleman. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. One familiar with the works of the Christian Fathers; one versed in patristic lore. [ R. ] Colridge. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The rank or character of patricians. [ 1913 Webster ]