Banian /(băn"yan [or] băn*yăn"; 277)/

Ban·ian

Banian

n.
  1. A Hindu trader, merchant, cashier, or money changer.
  2. A man's loose gown, like that worn by the Banians.
  3. The Indian fig. See Banyan. (Bot.)

Phrases & Compounds
Banian days
days in which the sailors have no flesh meat served out to them. This use seems to be borrowed from the Banians or Banya race, who eat no flesh.