Vaisya

[ vahys-yuh, vahysh- ]

noun

1. a member of the Hindu mercantile and professional class, above the Shudras and below the Kshatriyas. Compare Brahman ¹( def 1 ).

Vaisya

/ ˈvaɪsjə; ˈvaɪʃjə /

noun

1. the third of the four main Hindu castes, the traders

Word History and Origins

Origin of Vaisya¹

First recorded in 1785–95, Vaisya is from the Sanskrit word vaiśya

Word History and Origins

Origin of Vaisya¹

C18: from Sanskrit, literally: settler, from viś settlement

Example Sentences

In this enumeration they assign the first rank to the Brachmans, or wise men; and by the artisans, they no doubt understood the trading and manufacturing class of the Vaisyas.

From Project Gutenberg

They form a class of the Vaisya caste, wear a peculiar dress, and are strict in the observance of fasts and in abstaining from the use of flesh.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, a Sudra cannot, even by the most rigorous self-mortification, become righteous in the period proper to the salvation of the Vaisyas.

From Project Gutenberg

To keep herds of cattle, to bestow largesses, to sacrifice, to read the scripture, to carry on trade, to lend at interest, and to cultivate land, are prescribed or permitted to a Vaisya.

From Project Gutenberg

The second caste is that of the Kshatriyas, warriors or rulers, the third that of the Vaisyas or farmers.

From Project Gutenberg