banian

n. [ Skr. banij merchant. The tree was so named by the English, because used as a market place by the merchants. ] 1. A Hindu trader, merchant, cashier, or money changer. [ Written also banyan. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A man's loose gown, like that worn by the Banians. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Bot.) The Indian fig. See Banyan. [ 1913 Webster ]

Banian days (Naut.), days in which the sailors have no flesh meat served out to them. This use seems to be borrowed from the Banians or Banya race, who eat no flesh. [ 1913 Webster ]