Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Banian
Ban′ian
(băn′yan or băn-yăn′; 277)
, Noun.
[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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Banian
BAN'IAN
,Noun.
2.
A Gentoo servant, employed as an agent in commerce.3.
A tree in India.Banian days, in seamen's language, are three days in a week, in which the sailors have no flesh meat served out to them. This use of the term seems to be borrowed from the Banians in Asia, who, believing in a metempsychosis, will eat no flesh, nor even kill noxious animals.