low-status person; untouchable; (derogatory) lowly person
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
low-status person; people of the lowest social class
archaicHistorical term used in imperial China to refer to a legally defined group at the bottom of society, such as prostitutes, entertainers, and certain servants, distinct from ordinary citizens (良民).
In ancient times, low-status people were not allowed to take the imperial examinations.
The legal statuses of commoners and low-status people were completely different.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
The laws of some dynasties explicitly discriminated against the low-status class.
noun
untouchable; Dalit; people outside the caste system
technicalRefers to the Dalits in the Indian caste system, traditionally considered outside the four main varnas and assigned the most menial tasks. See 【种姓】.
In India, the traditional occupations of the untouchables included handling corpses and sweeping streets.
Modern Indian law prohibits caste-based discrimination, including discrimination against Dalits.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Gandhi called the untouchables 'Harijans' (children of God).