Popularity

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. [ 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 ]