Pop`u*lar"i*ty (?), n.; pl.
Popularities (#). [L. popularitas an effort
to please the people: cf. F. popularité.]
1. The quality or state of being popular;
especially, the state of being esteemed by, or of being in favor with,
the people at large; good will or favor proceeding from the people;
as, the popularity of a law, statesman, or a book.
A popularity which has lasted down to our
time.
Macaulay.
2. The quality or state of being adapted or
pleasing to common, poor, or vulgar people; hence, cheapness;
inferiority; vulgarity.
This gallant laboring to avoid popularity falls
into a habit of affectation.
B. Jonson.
3. Something which obtains, or is intended to
obtain, the favor of the vulgar; claptrap.
Popularities, and circumstances which . . . sway
the ordinary judgment.
Bacon.
4. The act of courting the favor of the
people. [Obs.] "Indicted . . . for popularity and
ambition." Holland.
5. Public sentiment; general passion.
[R.]
A little time be allowed for the madness of
popularity to cease.
Bancroft.
