from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Brahman \Brah"man\, Brahmin \Brah"min\, n.; pl. {Brahmans},
{Brahmins}. [Skr. Br[=a]hmana (cf. Brahman worship, holiness;
the God Brahma, also Brahman): cf. F. Brahmane, Brachmane,
Bramine, L. Brachmanae, -manes, -mani, pl., Gr. ?, pl.]
1. A person of the highest or sacerdotal caste among the
Hindus.
[1913 Webster]
{Brahman bull} (Zool.), the male of a variety of the zebu, or
Indian ox, considered sacred by the Hindus.
[1913 Webster]
2. a person from an old, respected, and usually wealthy
family who has considerable social or political influence;
-- a term used especially in New England; as, a Boston
brahmin.
[PJC]