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

See Examples For:

caste mark

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

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

The caste mark on the largest idol's head was a polished ruby, overlooked doubtless during the loot.

From The Adventures of Kathlyn by MacGrath, Harold

The priest, slow to heed them, at length deigned to dip his finger in a little paint and with it he smeared the caste mark on the foreheads of the worshipers.

From John Wesley, Jr. The Story of an Experiment by Brummitt, Dan B.