half-caste

[ haf-kast, hahf-kahst ]

noun

1. a contemptuous term used to refer to a person of mixed racial or ethnic descent.
2. a contemptuous term used to refer to a person of mixed European and Hindu or European and Muslim parentage.
3. a contemptuous term used to refer to a person descended from parents of two different social strata.

adjective

1. of or relating to a half-caste.

half-caste

noun

1. a person having parents of different races, esp the offspring of a European and an Indian

adjective

1. of, relating to, or designating such a person

Word History and Origins

Origin of half-caste¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

You hear more people using the words "mixed-race" than "half-caste" here.

From The Daily Beast

Until a few years ago the quarter known as the, Parian was the flourishing centre of the half-caste traders.

From Project Gutenberg

Several American officers were present on the occasion, accompanied by a Spanish half-caste who acted as their interpreter.

From Project Gutenberg

Langalibalele is not a true Kafir at all: he is a Fingor, a half-caste tribe contemptuously christened by the Kafirs "dogs."

From Project Gutenberg

I knew an instance of a half-caste Indian who from a small veruga below the ankle lost two pounds of blood.

From Project Gutenberg

The half-caste knew the Indians too well not to understand the ironical meaning of the words pronounced by the Guaycurus chief.

From Project Gutenberg