WordLens

patrician

1 of 2noun
/pəˈtrɪʃən/
Forms:patricians
1

a person belonging to the highest social class or aristocracy in certain societies

  • In medieval Europe, the patricians were distinguished by their opulent lifestyles, luxurious mansions, and exclusive access to education and cultural resources.
  • The patricians of ancient Rome formed an elite class that controlled political affairs and held positions of authority in the Senate.
  • In the feudal system, the land was predominantly owned by the patricians, while the peasants worked the fields.
2

a person of refined upbringing and manners