caste system

[kast sis-tuhm, kahst]

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of caste system¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Throughout his career, he fought to reform Hindu laws of the time on marriage and women's rights and to abolish the caste system.

From BBC

People would point out that the Nazis were inspired by the racial caste system in the United States and of course, as you well know, we have a long tradition in this country of reaction.

From Salon

Those demands must also frame the struggle in the clear language that Donald Trump’s attempts to reconstitute the racial caste system are wrong.

From Salon

The caste system also poses further complexities - workers from some castes may agree to clean toilets in a home while others from slightly different castes may not.

From BBC

Her writings about Indian culture and civilisation and its caste system are ground-breaking, and are a part of the curriculum in Indian colleges.

From BBC