of or pertaining to the roman patres (fathers) or senators, or patricians.-of, pertaining to, or appropriate to, a person of high birth; noble; not plebeian.-originally, a member of any of the families constituting the populus romanus, or body of roman citizens, before the development of the plebeian order; later, one who, by right of birth or by special privilege conferred, belonged to the nobility.-a person of high birth; a nobleman.-one familiar with the works of the christian fathers; one versed in patristic lore.