(Hinduism) a Hindu caste or distinctive social group of which there are thousands throughout India; a special characteristic is often the exclusive occupation of its male members (such as barber or potter) | in some social insects (such as ants) a physically distinct individual or group of individuals specialized to perform certain functions in the colony |
| a social class separated from others by distinctions of hereditary rank or profession or wealth |
| (Hinduism) a hereditary social class among Hindus; stratified according to ritual purity |
| social status or position conferred by a system based on class |