Trib"une (?), n. [L. tribunus,
properly, the chief of a tribe, fr. tribus tribe: cf. F.
tribun. See Tribe.] 1. (Rom. Antiq.)
An officer or magistrate chosen by the people, to protect them from
the oppression of the patricians, or nobles, and to defend their liberties
against any attempts that might be made upon them by the senate and
consuls.
&fist; The tribunes were at first two, but their number was
increased ultimately to ten. There were also military tribunes, officers of
the army, of whom there were from four to six in each legion. Other
officers were also called tribunes; as, tribunes of the treasury,
etc.
2. Anciently, a bench or elevated place, from which
speeches were delivered; in France, a kind of pulpit in the hall of the
legislative assembly, where a member stands while making an address; any
place occupied by a public orator.
Trib"une (?), n. [L. tribunus,
properly, the chief of a tribe, fr. tribus tribe: cf. F.
tribun. See Tribe.] 1. (Rom. Antiq.)
An officer or magistrate chosen by the people, to protect them from
the oppression of the patricians, or nobles, and to defend their liberties
against any attempts that might be made upon them by the senate and
consuls.
&fist; The tribunes were at first two, but their number was
increased ultimately to ten. There were also military tribunes, officers of
the army, of whom there were from four to six in each legion. Other
officers were also called tribunes; as, tribunes of the treasury,
etc.
2. Anciently, a bench or elevated place, from which
speeches were delivered; in France, a kind of pulpit in the hall of the
legislative assembly, where a member stands while making an address; any
place occupied by a public orator.
