plebe

Definition

A plebeian, a member of the lower class of Roman citizens.

Etymology

From Latin plēbs (“the plebeian class”), probably via Middle French plebe (“plebeians, commoners, the rabble”) and possibly later understood as a clipping of plebeian. Cognate with Italian plebe, Spanish plebe, Portuguese plebe.

Example Sentences

• "Another the like was among the Romanes of Patricij & plebes, thone ſtriuing with thother a long time, the patricij many yeares excluding the plebes from bearing rule, vntill at laſt all magiſtrates were made cõmon [common] betweene thẽ [them]: […]"
• "All other roomes were free for the plebe or multitude."
• "My drill master, a young stripling, told me I was not so ‘gross’ as most other pleibs, the name of all new cadets."

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