adj. 1. Of or relating to the common people of ancient Rome: a plebeian magistrate. 2. Of, belonging to, or characteristic of commoners. 3. Unrefined or coarse in nature or manner; common or vulgar: plebeian tastes. n. 1. One of the common people of ancient Rome. 2. A member of the lower classes. 3. A vulgar or coarse person. [From Latin plēbius, from plēbs, plēb-, the common people; see pelə-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ple·beian·ism n. ple·beian·ly adv. |
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