\Pop"u*lar\, a. [L. popularis, fr. populus people: cf.
F. populaire. See {People}.]
1. Of or pertaining to the common people, or to the whole
   body of the people, as distinguished from a select
   portion; as, the popular voice; popular elections.
   ``Popular states.'' --Bacon. ``So the popular vote
   inclines.'' --Milton.
         The men commonly held in popular estimation are
         greatest at a distance.               --J. H.
                                               Newman.
2. Suitable to common people; easy to be comprehended; not
   abstruse; familiar; plain.
         Homilies are plain popular instructions. --Hooker.
3. Adapted to the means of the common people; possessed or
   obtainable by the many; hence, cheap; common; ordinary;
   inferior; as, popular prices; popular amusements.
         The smallest figs, called popular figs, . . . are,
         of all others, the basest and of least account.
                                               --Holland.
4. Beloved or approved by the people; pleasing to people in
   general, or to many people; as, a popular preacher; a
   popular law; a popular administration.
5. Devoted to the common people; studious of the favor of the
   populace. [R.]
         Such popular humanity is treason.     --Addison.
6. Prevailing among the people; epidemic; as, a popular
   disease. [Obs.] --Johnson.
{Popular action} (Law), an action in which any person may sue
   for penalty imposed by statute. --Blackstone.