noun
or brah·min ˈbrämə̇n, -rȧm-, in sense 2 often or usually -rām- also -ram-
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Sanskrit brāhmaṇa, literally, having to do with prayer, from brahman prayer
1. also brahmana plural brahmana or brahmanas : a member of the highest or sacerdotal caste among the Hindus having as chief duty the study and teaching of the Vedas and the performance of religious ceremonies — compare kshatriya , sudra , vaisya
2.
a. : any of several breeds of Indian cattle ; specifically : a variety or breed of large vigorous heat-resistant and tick-resistant usually silvery gray cattle evolved in the southern United States by interbreeding Indian cattle and now used chiefly for crossbreeding with beef cattle to increase their hardiness and resistance to disease and pests while retaining their beef quality
b. : an animal of this variety or breed — compare zebu