POPULARITY

Definitions

1. 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. 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. 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. 4. The act of courting the favor of the people. [Obs.] "Indicted . . . for popularity and ambition." Holland.
5. 5. Public sentiment; general passion. [R.] A little time be allowed for the madness of popularity to cease. Bancroft.