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

/ ˈvaɪʃjə; ˈvaɪsjə /

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

Vaisya, vīs′ya, n. a member of the third caste among the Hindus.

From Project Gutenberg

The Heads of the Vaisya families in them establish in the cities houses for dispensing charity and medicines.

From Project Gutenberg

In the city there are many Vaisya elders and Sabaean merchants, whose houses are stately and beautiful.

From Project Gutenberg

A Sudra in distress may turn to a handicraft; and in the same circumstances a Vaisya may stoop to service.

From Project Gutenberg

And a Vaisya, having earned wealth, should cause the rites enjoined in the Vedas to be performed for himself.

From Project Gutenberg