noun
also kshat·tri·ya or ksat·ri·ya (kə)ˈsha.trē(y)ə, (kə)ˈshə.-, ˈksh- sometimes ˈch-
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Sanskrit kṣatriya, from kṣatra dominion, from kṣayati he possesses, rules — more at check
1. : a twice-born Hindu of the second ancient varna assigned by classical law to a governing or military occupation
2. : a twice-born Hindu belonging to one of a large group of modern upper castes traditionally derived from the ancient Kshatriya varna — compare brahman , sudra , vaisya