Popularities

Popularity Pop`u*lar"i*ty, n.; pl. {Popularities}. [L. popularitas an effort to please the people: cf. F. popularit['e].] 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. [1913 Webster]

A popularity which has lasted down to our time. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

2. The quality or state of being adapted or pleasing to common, poor, or vulgar people; hence, cheapness; inferiority; vulgarity. [1913 Webster]

This gallant laboring to avoid popularity falls into a habit of affectation. --B. Jonson. [1913 Webster]

3. Something which obtains, or is intended to obtain, the favor of the vulgar; claptrap. [1913 Webster]

Popularities, and circumstances which . . . sway the ordinary judgment. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

4. The act of courting the favor of the people. [Obs.] ``Indicted . . . for popularity and ambition.'' --Holland. [1913 Webster]

5. Public sentiment; general passion. [R.] [1913 Webster]

A little time be allowed for the madness of popularity to cease. --Bancroft. [1913 Webster]