East Indian tree that puts out aerial shoots that grow down into the soil forming additional trunks
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a loose fitting jacket; originally worn in India
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Banian \Ban"ian\ (b[a^]n"yan or b[a^]n*y[a^]n"; 277), n. [Skr. banij merchant. The tree was so named by the English, because used as a market place by the merchants.] 1. A Hindu trader, merchant, cashier, or money changer. [Written also {banyan}.]
2. A man's loose gown, like that worn by the Banians.
3. (Bot.) The Indian fig. See {Banyan}.
{Banian days} (Naut.), days in which the sailors have no flesh meat served out to them. This use seems to be borrowed from the Banians or Banya race, who eat no flesh.