Brahman

¹

[ brah-muhn ]

noun

, Hinduism.

, plural Brah·mans.

1. Also a member of the highest, or priestly, class among the Hindus. Compare Kshatriya, Shudra, Vaisya.
2. Also the impersonal supreme being, the primal source and ultimate goal of all beings, with which Atman, when enlightened, knows itself to be identical.

Brahman

²

[ brey-muhn, brah- ]

noun

1. any of several breeds of Indian cattle, especially a grayish, heat-resistant American breed raised chiefly in the Gulf States.

Brahman

/ brɑːˈmænɪk; ˈbrɑːmən /

noun

1. Also called (esp formerly)Brahmin sometimes not capital a member of the highest or priestly caste in the Hindu caste system
2. Hinduism the ultimate and impersonal divine reality of the universe, from which all being originates and to which it returns
3. another name for Brahma 1

Derived Forms

• Brahmanic, adjective

Other Words From

• Brah·man·ic [brah-, man, -ik], Brah·man·i·cal adjective
• non-Brah·man·ic adjective
• non-Brah·man·i·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Brahman¹

First recorded in 1475–85; from Sanskrit brāhmaṇa Brahman ¹( fordef 1 ), brahman Brahman ¹( fordef 2 )

Origin of Brahman²

1935–40; special use of Brahman priest

Word History and Origins

Origin of Brahman¹

C14: from Sanskrit brāhmana , from brahman prayer

Example Sentences

A Brahman who has thus mortified his body by these modes is exalted into the divine essence.

From Project Gutenberg

The candidate must now crawl through her hollow body three times, and thus is transformed into a Brahman.

From Project Gutenberg

A Brahman brings an idol of Vishnu and begins the marriage ceremony, standing before the plant.

From Project Gutenberg

Needless to say that, amongst Brahman women, marriage is not a question of free choice, and still less of affection.

From Project Gutenberg

The officiating Brahman tied their hands with some kus-kus grass, and led them three times round the altar.

From Project Gutenberg