°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 the senior class of Romans, who, with certain property, had by right a seat in the Roman Senate.
adjective
°Of or pertaining to the Roman
patres (fathers) or
senators, or patricians.
°Of, pertaining to, or appropriate to, a person of high birth; noble; not
plebeian.