banian

banian
    n 1: East Indian tree that puts out aerial shoots that grow down
         into the soil forming additional trunks [syn: {banyan},
         {banyan tree}, {banian}, {banian tree}, {Indian banyan},
         {East Indian fig tree}, {Ficus bengalensis}]
    2: a loose fitting jacket; originally worn in India [syn:
       {banyan}, {banian}]
    

Banian \Ban"ian\ (b[a^]n"yan or b[a^]n*y[a^]n"; 277), n. [Skr.
   banij merchant. The tree was so named by the English, because
   used as a market place by the merchants.]
   1. A Hindu trader, merchant, cashier, or money changer.
      [Written also {banyan}.]
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A man's loose gown, like that worn by the Banians.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Bot.) The Indian fig. See {Banyan}.
      [1913 Webster]

   {Banian days} (Naut.), days in which the sailors have no
      flesh meat served out to them. This use seems to be
      borrowed from the Banians or Banya race, who eat no flesh.
      [1913 Webster]