plebeian

Definition

A member of the plebs, the common citizens of ancient Rome.

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.

Example Sentences

• "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."
• "There blude... vald hef na bettir cullour nor the blude of ane plebien or of ane mecanik craftis man."

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