banian
    n 1: East Indian tree that puts out aerial shoots that grow down
         into the soil forming additional trunks [syn: banyan,
         banyan tree, banian, banian tree, Indian banyan,
         East Indian fig tree, Ficus bengalensis]
    2: a loose fitting jacket; originally worn in India [syn:
       banyan, banian]

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.]
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A man's loose gown, like that worn by the Banians.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Bot.) The Indian fig. See Banyan.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
      [1913 Webster]