plebs \ˈplebz\noun (pluralple·bes \ˈplēˌbēz\) Etymology: Latin — more at plebeian 1.: the common people of ancient Rome consisting of a composite body of native or naturalized Romans of varying social origins — compare patrician 2.: the general populace < all this talk … was so much claptrap, inept fabrications to hoodwink the gullible plebs — F.S.Grafford >