The commonalty of ancient Rome who were citizens without the usual political rights; the plebeians; -- distinguished from the patricians.

In Ancient Rome, the plebs were the general body of Roman citizens, distinct from the privileged class of the patricians. A member of the plebs was known as a plebeian (Latin: plebeius). The term is used more commonly today to refer to one who is in the middle or lower class, or who appears to be.

Hence, the common people; the populace; -- construed as a pl.