n. 1 (Mandarin) the most widely spoken form of Chinese and the official language of China. 2 hist. a Chinese official in any of nine grades of the pre-Communist civil service. 3 a a party leader; a bureaucrat. b a powerful member of the establishment. 4 a a nodding Chinese figure, usu. of porcelain. b porcelain etc. decorated with Chinese figures in mandarin dress. mandarin collar a small close-fitting upright collar. mandarin duck a small Chinese duck, Aix galericulata, noted for its bright plumage. mandarin sleeve a wide loose sleeve. mandarinate n.
[ Port. mandarim f. Malay f. Hindi mantri f. Skr. mantrin counsellor ]