A Portuguese colonial interpretation of ancient Indian grouping by hereditary profession, called "jāti" in Hindoostani; predating the Aryan penetration of the subcontinent, but believed by White Nationalists (among others) to be a kind of primitive apartheid system introduced by the Vedic Aryans to keep those of darker skin away from them, due to conflation with the five *classes*, properly "varna", of Vedic society (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaisya, Sudra, Chandal).
"Castes are systems of occupation, endogamy, social culture, social class, and political power, the assignment of individuals to places in the social hierarchy is determined by social group and cultural heritage. Although India is often now associated with the word "caste", it was first used by the Portuguese to describe inherited class status in their own European society."
by Marshal Lentini May 21, 2009
A sexual/BDSM fetish, whereupon an individual enjoys some part of the process of putting casts on people. Some people enjoy putting the casts on others, others enjoy having the casts put on themselves, and others enjoy seeing the finished product. Some cast fetishists get very creative about which body parts and in which positions the subject gets cast.
by treehuggr January 15, 2012
A type of rule where a person's role is determined by his background. Castes also have different levels of power.
For example : in ancient Japan, the Tokugawa Dynasty ruled with a caste system, where the samurai were the highest.
Another example : India apparently has a caste system. This means that if you were born of a poor family, you are required (not destined, required) to be that way, and nothing you do will change that. Specifically, if someone was the reincarnation of the Buddha, that person would be the most powerful man in India.
Contrary to the fetish beliefs, capitalism is NOT a caste system. Capitalism does not judge people on their birth, but requires people to work hard if they want to be rich.
For example : in ancient Japan, the Tokugawa Dynasty ruled with a caste system, where the samurai were the highest.
Another example : India apparently has a caste system. This means that if you were born of a poor family, you are required (not destined, required) to be that way, and nothing you do will change that. Specifically, if someone was the reincarnation of the Buddha, that person would be the most powerful man in India.
Contrary to the fetish beliefs, capitalism is NOT a caste system. Capitalism does not judge people on their birth, but requires people to work hard if they want to be rich.
"Castes don't work very well....and yet somehow they're effective. I'm stumped. Nevertheless, America should not resort to a caste system; that would be unconstitutional & against the founding principles of this country."
-me
-me
by Dave May 19, 2004
by drinkeveryynight June 12, 2011
by Emma123456 j October 16, 2020
by The Dictionary Nerd December 21, 2017