plebeian
noun
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L325593 on Wikidata ↗adjective
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L339326 on Wikidata ↗Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /pliˈbiːən/ / /plɛbˈiːən/
adj
Etymology: From Latin plēbēius (“a commoner; common”) + -an (adjective-forming suffix), from Latin plēbēs + -ius (adjective-forming suffix), possibly under the influence of Middle French plebeyen, plebein, plebien (“a commoner”) and plebeien (“concerning the common people”). Cf. Medieval Latin plēbēiānus (“a commoner”), from plēbēius + -ānus.
- Of or concerning the plebs, the common citizens of ancient Rome.
“To what purpose be the plebeian Magistrates ordeined?”
- Of or concerning the common people.
“...priuate person or plebian multitude...”
- Common, particularly (derogatory) vulgar, crude, coarse, uncultured.
“For to plebeyan wits, it is as good, As to be silent, as not vnderstood.”
“[…] told me love was too plebeian / told me you were through with me”
noun
Etymology: From Latin plēbēius (“a commoner; common”) + -an (adjective-forming suffix), from Latin plēbēs + -ius (adjective-forming suffix), possibly under the influence of Middle French plebeyen, plebein, plebien (“a commoner”) and plebeien (“concerning the common people”). Cf. Medieval Latin plēbēiānus (“a commoner”), from plēbēius + -ānus.
- A member of the plebs, the common citizens of ancient Rome.
“Na plebeane will tak þe dochter of ane patriciane but hir consent.”
“The cognomen was first used in patrician families, who were distinguished from the plebeians by their three names.”
- A commoner, particularly (derogatory) a low, vulgar person.
“There blude... vald hef na bettir cullour nor the blude of ane plebien or of ane mecanik craftis man.”
“The feelings of our heart, the agitation of our passions, the vehemence of our affections, dissipate all its conclusions, and reduce the profound philosopher to a mere plebeian.”