brahman

• Nom désignant un membre de la plus haute classe sociale ou sacerdotale, soit dans le contexte de la varṇa hindoue (caste sacerdotale), soit historiquement un membre de l'élite sociale et culturelle, par exemple une ancienne famille de Nouvelle-Angleterre.

A noun referring to a member of the highest social or priestly class, either in the context of Hindu varna (the priestly caste) or, historically, a member of a social and cultural elite, such as an old New England family.

1. Hindu priestly classB2formal

   A member of the highest of the four Hindu varnas, traditionally responsible for priestly duties and teaching sacred knowledge.

   brahmane

   • The brahman performed the ancient rituals at the temple.
   • In traditional Hindu society, brahmans were respected as spiritual guides.
   • He was born into a brahman family and studied the Vedas.

   Synonymesbrahmin

2. Social elite (New England)C1formalamerican

   A member of a social and cultural elite, especially a descendant of an old New England family.

   brahmane de la Nouvelle-Angleterre

   • The Boston brahman families have long influenced local politics.
   • She comes from a brahman lineage that traces back to the Mayflower.
   • The novel satirizes the manners of the New England brahmans.

   Synonymesaristocratblue bloodpatrician

3. Ultimate reality (Hinduism)C1formal

   In Hindu philosophy, the ultimate, unchanging reality, composed of pure being and consciousness.

   Brahman (réalité ultime)

   • The Upanishads describe Brahman as the source of all existence.
   • Meditation helps one realize the unity of Atman and Brahman.
   • Brahman is beyond all attributes and forms.

   Synonymesabsoluteone