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Vulgar fraction

Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Vulgar \Vul"gar\, a. [L. vulgaris, from vulgus the multitude,
   the common people; of uncertain origin: cf. F. vulgaire. Cf.
   {Divulge}.]
   1. Of or pertaining to the mass, or multitude, of people;
      common; general; ordinary; public; hence, in general use;
      vernacular. ``As common as any the most vulgar thing to
      sense. '' -- Shak.

            Things vulgar, and well-weighed, scarce worth the
            praise.                               --Milton.

            It might be more useful to the English reader . . .
            to write in our vulgar language.      --Bp. Fell.

            The mechanical process of multiplying books had
            brought the New Testament in the vulgar tongue
            within the reach of every class.      --Bancroft.

   2. Belonging or relating to the common people, as
      distinguished from the cultivated or educated; pertaining
      to common life; plebeian; not select or distinguished;
      hence, sometimes, of little or no value. ``Like the vulgar
      sort of market men.'' --Shak.

            Men who have passed all their time in low and vulgar
            life.                                 --Addison.

            In reading an account of a battle, we follow the
            hero with our whole attention, but seldom reflect on
            the vulgar heaps of slaughter.        --Rambler.

   3. Hence, lacking cultivation or refinement; rustic; boorish;
      also, offensive to good taste or refined feelings; low;
      coarse; mean; base; as, vulgar men, minds, language, or
      manners.

            Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar. --Shak.

   {Vulgar fraction}. (Arith.) See under {Fraction}.
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