Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Popular \Pop"u*lar\, a. [L. popularis, fr. populus people: cf.
   F. populaire. See {People}.]
   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.] --Johnson.

   {Popular action} (Law), an action in which any person may sue
      for penalty imposed by statute. --Blackstone.