blue blood

[bloo bluhd for 1; bloo bluhd for 2] /ˈblu ˌblʌd for 1; ˈblu ˈblʌd for 2/
noun
1.
an aristocrat, noble, or member of a socially prominent family.
2.
aristocratic, noble, or socially prominent lineage or relatives:
They boasted a lineage of pure blue blood.
Origin
1825-35; translation of Spanish sangre azul. See sanguine, azure
Related forms
blue-blooded, adjective
Examples from the web for blue blood
  • Probably she felt that the production of literature was hardly a fitting occupation for one who had the blue blood.
  • He was a true blue blood or a smooth fraud or some of both.
  • It has nothing to do with the city's blue blood reputation or regal aspirations.
British Dictionary definitions for blue blood

blue blood

noun
1.
royal or aristocratic descent
Derived Forms
blue-blooded, adjective
Word Origin
C19: translation of Spanish sangre azul
Word Origin and History for blue blood

1834, translating Spanish sangre azul, claimed by certain families of Castile as uncontaminated by Moorish or Jewish admixture, probably from the notion of the visible veins of people of fair complexion.