vulgus

[ vuhl-guhs ]

noun

, plural vul·gus·es

1. the common people; masses.
2. an exercise in Latin formerly required of English public-school pupils.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vulgus¹

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1680–90

Example Sentences

To start very generally: The word vulgar comes from the Latin vulgus, meaning the common people.

From New York Times

In this basilica the judges called Centumviri held their courts, which were four in number: "Jam clamor, centumque viri, densumque coron� Vulgus: et infanti Julia tecta placent."

From Project Gutenberg

Sedere cœpit sententia hæc pariterque et eruditum vulgus et rude in eam cursu vadit.

From Project Gutenberg

Remembering this, I forbear tying Sellar to odi profanum vulgus.

From Project Gutenberg

"But the poem is not destined to be squandered on profanum vulgus: it is strictly for private consumption."

From Project Gutenberg