\Pa*tri"cian\, a. [L. patricius, fr. patres fathers or
senators, pl. of pater: cf. F. patricien. See {Paternal}.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.) Of or pertaining to the Roman patres
   (fathers) or senators, or patricians.
2. Of, pertaining to, or appropriate to, a person of high
   birth; noble; not plebeian.
         Born in the patrician file of society. --Sir W.
                                               Scott.
         His horse's hoofs wet with patrician blood.
                                               --Addison.

\Pa*tri"cian\, n. [L. patricius: cf. F. patricien.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.) Originally, a member of any of the families
   constituting the populus Romanus, or body of Roman
   citizens, before the development of the plebeian order;
   later, one who, by right of birth or by special privilege
   conferred, belonged to the nobility.
2. A person of high birth; a nobleman.
3. One familiar with the works of the Christian Fathers; one
   versed in patristic lore. [R.] --Colridge.