adj.
- Of or relating to the common people of ancient Rome: a plebeian magistrate.
- Of, belonging to, or characteristic of commoners.
- Unrefined or coarse in nature or manner; common or vulgar: plebeian tastes.
- One of the common people of ancient Rome.
- A member of the lower classes.
- A vulgar or coarse person.
[From Latin plēbius, from plēbs, plēb-, the common people.]
plebeianism ple·be'ian·ism n.plebeianly ple·be'ian·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.