\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.
         A popularity which has lasted down to our time.
                                               --Macaulay.
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. Something which obtains, or is intended to obtain, the
   favor of the vulgar; claptrap.
         Popularities, and circumstances which . . . sway the
         ordinary judgment.                    --Bacon.
4. The act of courting the favor of the people. [Obs.]
   ``Indicted . . . for popularity and ambition.'' --Holland.
5. Public sentiment; general passion. [R.]
         A little time be allowed for the madness of
         popularity to cease.                  --Bancroft.