Pop·u·lar a.
1. Of or pertaining to the common people, or to the whole body of the people, as distinguished from a select portion; as, the popular voice; popular elections. “Popular states.” --Bacon. “So the popular vote inclines.” --Milton.
The men commonly held in popular estimation are greatest at a distance. --J. H. Newman.
2. Suitable to common people; easy to be comprehended; not abstruse; familiar; plain.
Homilies are plain popular instructions. --Hooker.
3. Adapted to the means of the common people; possessed or obtainable by the many; hence, cheap; common; ordinary; inferior; as, popular prices; popular amusements.
The smallest figs, called popular figs, . . . are, of all others, the basest and of least account. --Holland.
4. Beloved or approved by the people; pleasing to people in general, or to many people; as, a popular preacher; a popular law; a popular administration.
5. Devoted to the common people; studious of the favor of the populace. [R.]
Such popular humanity is treason. --Addison.
6. Prevailing among the people; epidemic; as, a popular disease. [Obs.]
Popular action Law, an action in which any person may sue for penalty imposed by statute.
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