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caste system

American  
[kast sis-tuhm, kahst] / ˈkæst ˌsɪs təm, ˈkɑst /

noun

  1. the rigid Hindu system of hereditary social distinctions based on castes.

Etymology

Origin of caste system

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Caste system of India, Egypt, and Ancient Ireland carried out the formal apprenticeship plan to its full extent.

From Thomas Davis, Selections from his Prose and Poetry by Rolleston, T. W. (Thomas William)

Most of the chapters are concerned with the lives of Heathen men and women and children surrounded by the tremendous bars and gates of the Caste system.

From Things as They Are Mission Work in Southern India by Carmichael, Amy

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.