caste

caste

noun \ˈkast also ˈkäst\

Definition of CASTE

1

: one of the hereditary social classes in Hinduism that restrict the occupation of their members and their association with the members of other castes

2

a : a division of society based on differences of wealth, inherited rank or privilege, profession, occupation, or race

b : the position conferred by caste standing : prestige

3

: a system of rigid social stratification characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social barriers sanctioned by custom, law, or religion

4

: a specialized form (as the worker of an ant or bee) of a polymorphic social insect that carries out a particular function in the colony

— caste·ism \ˈkas-ˌti-zəm\ noun

Examples of CASTE

1. He was from a higher caste.
2. <a member of the upper caste>

Origin of CASTE

Portuguese casta, literally, race, lineage, from feminine of casto pure, chaste, from Latin castus

First Known Use: 1613

Related to CASTE

Synonyms

class, estate, folk, gentry, order, stratum

Related Words

bracket, echelon, grade, layer, level, tier; place, position, rank, standing, status; food chain, grouping, hierarchy, stratification; clan, family, fraternity, people, race, tribe; subcaste

Rhymes with CASTE

bast, blast, cast, clast, fast, gast, ghast, last, mast, Nast, past, vast