Pŏp'ŭ-lar, a.
a. [Lat. popularis, from populus, people; Fr. populaire, Pr., Sp., & Pg. popular, It. popolare.]
Sense 1. Pertaining to the common people; as, the popular voice; popular elections. “So the popular vote inclines.” Milton.
Sense 2. Suitable to common people; easy to be comprehended; not critical or abstruse; familiar; plain.
Homilies are plain and popular instructions. Hooker.
Sense 3. Hence, sometimes, common; inferior; vulgar.
The smallest figs, called popular figs, . . . are, of all others, the basest and of least account. Holland.
Sense 4. Beloved by the people; enjoying the favor of the people; pleasing to people in general; as, a popular governor; a popular preacher; a popular discourse; a popular administration.
Sense 5. Studious of the favor of the people; ambitious. [Rare.]
A popular man is, in truth, no better than a prostitute to common fame and to the people. Dryden.
Sense 6. Prevailing among the people; extensively prevalent; as, a popular disease.
Popular action (Law), an action which gives a penalty to the person that sues for the same. Blackstone.