Definition of "caste"

Pakistan is a conservative, religious state. The Edhi Foundation is unusual in its ignoring of caste, creed, religion and sect. This strict stance has led to some criticism from religious groups.

2017 April 6, Samira Shackle, “On the frontline with Karachi’s ambulance drivers”, in the Guardian‎

It was an evidence of the peculiar nature of caste in country towns[.]

1930, Norman Lindsay, Redheap, Sydney, N.S.W.: Ure Smith, published 1965, page 89

'I believe, Messieurs, in loyalty - to one's friends and one's family and one's caste.'

1934, Agatha Christie, chapter 5, in Murder on the Orient Express, London: HarperCollins, published 2017, page 236

The tinkers then formed a hereditary caste.

1911, Thomas Babington Macaulay, “Bunyan, John”, in 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica‎