casta

English

noun

Definitions

(historical) A hierarchical system of race classification created by Spanish elites in Hispanic America during the eighteenth century.

Etymology

Borrowed from Spanish, Castilian casta (lineage, breed, race).

Origin

Spanish

casta

Gloss

lineage, breed, race

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms

caste English
castus Latin
Kaste German
casta Spanish, Castilian
castizo Spanish, Castilian
casta Portuguese

caste