caste mark

American  

noun

1. (in India) a mark, usually on the forehead, symbolizing and identifying caste membership.

2. a distinctive trait, associated with a group or class and marking a person as a member.

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Etymology

Origin of caste mark

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

The Shriners' caste mark, worn proudly if sometimes absurdly, is a maroon felt hat that can conceal but does little else for a shiny bald head.

From Time Magazine Archive

The circle of red powder on her forehead was not a caste mark, the Maharani explained, "but an auspicious sign which one may or may not wear without violating ethics."

From Time Magazine Archive

I bought different clothes, I painted my forehead with another caste mark, then I bought from the servant of an officer in another regiment his papers of service: recommendations from former masters.

From Colonel Thorndyke's Secret by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

Outward signs there are none, neither caste mark nor peculiarity of dress; but we know each other by signs.

From The Tiger of Mysore A Story of the War with Tippoo Saib by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

Classical learning came to be valued as a caste mark.

From Folkways A Study of the Sociological Importance of Usages, Manners, Customs, Mores, and Morals by Sumner, William Graham