patricians

Noun

patrician (plural patricians)

1. (Ancient-Rome) 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 senior class of Romans, who, with certain property, had by right a seat in the Roman Senate.
   • Noble Patricians, Patrons of my right, / Defend the iuſtice of my Cauſe with Armes.c. 1588–1593 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Lamentable Tragedy of Titus Andronicus”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac...
2. A person of high birth; a nobleman.
   • The emperor elevated several loyal families to the status of patricians.
3. One familiar with the works of the Christian Fathers; one versed in patristic lore or life.

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