from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
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3. (Bot.) The Indian fig. See {Banyan}.
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{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.
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