caste system

[ kast sis-tuhm, kahst ]

noun

1. the rigid Hindu system of hereditary social distinctions based on castes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of caste system¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

This difference is despite seven decades of affirmative action, India's caste system - a four-fold hierarchy of the Hindu religion - remains deeply entrenched.

From BBC

Unless MLB implements a hard salary cap — and also a salary floor, to force teams like the Pirates and A’s to spend more on payroll — baseball’s financial caste system will continue, to the sport’s detriment.

From Los Angeles Times

Food and food habits are sensitive subjects in culturally-diverse India as they are deeply intertwined with religion and the country's hierarchical caste system.

From BBC

The historian said that to tackle discrimination, it was crucial for those enjoying advantages of the caste system to acknowledge its existence globally instead of shying away from it.

From BBC

The hierarchy was a clearly defined caste system, with the most powerful male ballers surrounded by a crew of slightly less formidable guys who were rewarded for their hype-men-like loyalty with riches and access.

From Los Angeles Times