Kayasth

noun

Ka·​yasth
ˈkäyəst
variants or Kayastha
-stə
plural -s
: a member of a high Hindu caste especially numerous in Bengal and Uttar Pradesh whose caste occupation is that of clerks, writers, and accountants

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit kāyastha, probably from kāya body, group + -stha standing, being in; akin to Sanskrit cinoti he gathers, heaps up and to Sanskrit tiṣṭhati he stands

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Kayasth

Cite this Entry

“Kayasth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Kayasth. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!