noun
plebe
Plebe (noun) means an ordinary citizen of ancient Rome from the lower classes.
noun
1
An ordinary citizen of ancient Rome from the lower classes.
2
The lower class of citizens in ancient Rome as a whole.
3
The equivalent lower social class found in any region.
4
A student in their first year at a military academy.
"Plebes spend their first summer at Cadet Basic Training — Beast Barracks — where they get soldierized."
— David Lipsky, Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point (2014)
""But is a plebe forbidden to stroll here?" "If a plebe did have the brass to try it," replied Anstey slowly, "I reckon he would have to fight the whole yearling class in turn.""
— H. Irving Hancock, Dick Prescott's Second Year at West Point (1910)
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Etymology
Comes from Latin plēbs (“the plebeian class”), probably by way of Middle French plebe (“plebeians, commoners, the rabble”), and was possibly later reinterpreted as a clipping of plebeian. It is cognate with Italian plebe, Spanish plebe, and Portuguese plebe.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for plebe
See all rhymes for plebe →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of plebe?
"plebe" (noun) means an ordinary citizen of ancient Rome from the lower classes.
What is another word for plebe?
Other words for "plebe" include cadet.
What are the different meanings of plebe?
"plebe" has 3 main meanings: 1. An ordinary citizen of ancient Rome from the lower classes; 2. The lower class of citizens in ancient Rome as a whole; 3. The equivalent lower social class found in any region.
