Member of a privileged class in ancient Rome, which originally dominated the Senate. During the 5th and 4th centuries BC many of the rights formerly exercised by the patricians alone were extended to the plebeians, and patrician descent became a matter of prestige.
White, blue, and red became known as the pan-Slavic colours, influencing many other Eastern European flags. White, blue, and red are also the colours of the arms of the Duchy of Moscow. Effective date: 11 December 1993.