Caste (noun)

1. A social class or category into which people are placed based on their birth, occupation, or other characteristics.
2. A system of social stratification characterized by endogamy and social, economic, and political restrictions on mobility.

Origin:

From the portuguese word "casta", meaning "race, lineage, breed".

Examples:

1. The caste system in India has been criticized for centuries for promoting social inequality and discrimination.
2. People in the highest caste were often wealthy landowners, while those in the lowest castes were impoverished and oppressed.
3. The caste system limited opportunities for people to improve their social and economic status.
4. Despite efforts to abolish the caste system, it remains deeply ingrained in the social and cultural fabric of many parts of India.
5. Many people continue to face discrimination and prejudice based on their caste, even in contemporary society.