
Distributing bread to plebeians
A fresco from PompeiiImage: Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia
A.Word.A.Daywith Anu Garg
plebeian
PRONUNCIATION:(pluh-BEE-uhn)
| adjective: | 1. Belonging to or relating to the common people. |
| 2. Relating to or characteristic of lower social classes. | |
| 3. Common; vulgar. | |
| noun: | 1. A commoner. |
| 2. A member of the lower social class. |
NOTES:
In ancient Rome, plebeians or plebs were commoners who held lower social and political status compared to patricians, who were of higher social rank.
ETYMOLOGY:
From Latin plebeius (of the common people), from plebs (common people). Earliest documented use: 1533.