Caste



GRE Barron

解释

GRE 红宝书

• n.社会等级, 等级
• ［英］ n.社会等级, 等级 ( rigid class distinction)
• ［记］ 原指印度教的种姓制度

Webster Collegiate

noun

• Etymology: Portuguese casta, literally, race, lineage, from feminine of casto pure, chaste, from Latin castus
• Date: 1613
• 1. one of the hereditary social classes in Hinduism that restrict the occupation of their members and their association with the members of other castes
• 2.
  • a. a division of society based on differences of wealth, inherited rank or privilege, profession, occupation, or race
  • b. the position conferred by caste standing ; prestige
• 3. a system of rigid social stratification characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social barriers sanctioned by custom, law, or religion
• 4. a specialized form (as the worker of an ant or bee) of a polymorphic social insect that carries out a particular function in the colony
• ? casteism noun

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