Chinesian

English

Etymology

From Chinese +‎ -ian, q.v.

Noun

Chinesian (plural Chinesians)

1. (uncommon, now humorous) Synonym of Chinese, a citizen of China or an ethnic Chinese, particularly a Han Chinese person.
   • 2000 October 3, Tim Paluch, “Gore vs. Bush: That's Debatable”, in Iowa State Daily:

     Bush: "Well, I would not sell secrets to the Chinesian government. The Clinton Administration has been far too lenient toward the Chinesians."

Proper noun

Chinesian

1. (uncommon, now humorous) Synonym of Chinese, the people of China or the ethnic Chinese, particularly the Han Chinese. [c. 1615]
   • c. 1615, Peter Floris, Journal:

     I cannot imagine what the Hollanders meane, to suffer these Maleysians, Chinesians and other Moores of these contries, and to assiste theym in theyr free trade thorough all the Indies, and forbidde it theyr owne servants, contryemen and brethren uppon payne of death and losse of goods...

   • 1707, Elisha Coles, A Dictionary, English-Latin and Latin-English..., s.v. "Sinae":

     Sinae, a People of Aſia beyond India without Ganges, called now Chineſians.

Adjective

Chinesian (comparative more Chinesian, superlative most Chinesian)

1. (uncommon, now humorous) Synonym of Chinese, of or related to China, the Chinese, or their culture, particularly Han Chinese culture. [1625]
   • 1699, Patrick Gordon, Geography Anatomized..., Pt. II, pp. 245-246:

     Very remarkable are three Maxims of State carefully observ'd by the Chinesian Emperors, viz. (1) Never to give any Mandarin a Publick Office in his Native Province, lest being of a mean Descent, it might contribute to his Disparagement, or being well Descended, and belov'd, he should thereby grow too powerful. (2.) To retain at Court the Children of the Mandarins imploy'd in Publick Offices, and that under pretence of giving them good Education, but 'tis in effect as Hostages, lest their Fathers should chance to forget their Duty to the Emperor. Lastly, Never to sell any Publick Office, but to confer the same according to Person's Merits.

   • 1959 April, Cordwainer Smith, "When the People Fell", Galaxy Science Fiction:

     Prince Lovaduck had obtained his odd name because he had had a Chinesian ancestor who did love ducks, ducks in their Peking form—succulent duck skins brought forth to him ancestral dreams of culinary ecstasy.

   • 2000 October 3, Tim Paluch, “Gore vs. Bush: That's Debatable”, in Iowa State Daily:

     Bush: "Well, I would not sell secrets to the Chinesian government. The Clinton Administration has been far too lenient toward the Chinesians."
     Gore: "Did he say Chinesian?
     Moderator: "Let's stick to the issues, Vice-president."
     Gore: "What a dumbass."

References

• “Chinesian, n. & adj.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.