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 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

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 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.

"W'y, any fool could guess near enough!" cried Sydney, with the superflous violence that was his caste mark.

From Where the Pavement Ends by Russell, John

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)