Caste

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. One of the hereditary classes into which the Hindoos are divided according to the laws of Brahmanism.

2. A separate and fixed order or class of persons in society who chiefly hold intercourse among themselves. The tinkers then formed an hereditary caste. Macaulay. To lose caste, to be degraded from the caste to which one has belonged; to lose social position or consideration.