varna

¹ American  

[vahr-nuh, vuhr-] / ˈvɑr nə, ˈvʌr- /

noun

1. Hinduism.  class.

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Varna ² American  

[vahr-nuh] / ˈvɑr nə /

noun

1. a seaport in NE Bulgaria, on the Black Sea.

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Varna ¹ British  

/ ˈvarna /

noun

1. Former name (1949–56): Stalin.  a port in NE Bulgaria, on the Black Sea: founded by Greeks in the 6th century _bc ; under the Ottoman Turks (1391–1878). Pop: 340 000 (2005 est)

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varna ² British  

/ ˈvɑːnə /

noun

1. any of the four Hindu castes; Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaisya, or Sudra

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Etymology

Origin of varna

From the Sanskrit word varna literally, cover, color, hence sort, class

Example Sentences

The system is understood to have ancient roots — Sanskrit texts from the second millennium BC refer to a practice of dividing individuals into social groups called “varnas.”

From Salon

The idea of caste is expressed by the Sanskrit term varna, originally denoting “colour,” thereby implying differences of complexion between the several classes.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus we have four classes divided upon the basis of colour, or varna, which may correspond with the four great original castes of India.

From Project Gutenberg

The word varna was thus used, in the first place, not of four castes, but of two hostile races, one white and the other black.

From Project Gutenberg

But there is safety in caste—in varna, which is the old Brahmin name for caste, meaning colour.

From Project Gutenberg