vulgarn.
/ˈvʌlɡə/, U.S. /ˈvəlɡər/ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > a language > [noun] > native language
lede-quidec1275
birth tonguea1387
mother languagea1425
mother tongue?a1425
vulgar1430
mother's languagec1443
mother's tongue1517
natural language1570
commona1616
natural1665
vernaculara1706
native1824
home language1833
first language1875
Umgangssprache1934
mameloshen1968
1430–40 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes ix. xxxvi. (Bodl. 263) 441/1 Whos kyngdom hool, as maad is mencioun, In that vulgar..Of Malliogres pleynli bar þe name.
c1450 Chaucer's Compl. Pite (Harl.) (heading) Geffrey Chaucier þe aureat Poete þat euer was fonde in oure vulgare to fore [t]hees dayes.
?1553 (c1501) G. Douglas Palice of Honour (London) ii. l. 920 in Shorter Poems (1967) 62 Ȝit thare I saw..Goffryd Chaucere, as a per se sance pere, In his wulgare [1579 Edinb. vulgare].
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie ii. iii*. 60 Before Sir Thomas Wiats time they were not vsed in our vulgar.
1592 A. Day Eng. Secretorie (rev. ed.) i. sig. B3 An Epistle therefore, is that which vsually wee in our vulgar, doo tearme a letter.
1611 M. Smith in Bible (King James) Transl. Pref. ⁋8 For the behoofe and edifying of the vnlearned..they prouided Translations into the vulgar.
1665 G. Havers tr. P. della Valle Trav. E. India 144 The Canara-Language, which is the vulgar in Ikkeri and all that State.
2. † a. plural. Persons belonging to the ordinary or common class in the community, esp. the uneducated or ignorant. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > [noun]
folkc888
peoplea1325
frapec1330
commona1350
common peoplea1382
commonsa1382
commontya1387
communityc1400
meiniec1400
commonaltya1425
commonsa1500
vulgarsa1513
many1526
meinie1532
multitude1535
the many-headed beast (also monster)1537
number1542
ignobility1546
commonitya1550
popular1554
populace1572
popularya1578
vulgarity?1577
populacya1583
rout1589
the vulgar1590
plebs1591
mobile vulgusc1599
popularity1599
ignoble1603
the million1604
plebe1612
plebeity1614
the common filea1616
the herda1616
civils1644
commonality1649
democracy1656
menu1658
mobile1676
crowd1683
vulgusa1687
mob1691
Pimlico parliament?1774
citizenry1795
polloi1803
demos1831
many-headed1836
hoi polloi1837
the masses1837
citizenhood1843
John Q.1922
wimble-wamble1937
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > socially inferior person > [noun] > collectively
vulgarsa1513
worsers1581
unconscionable1607
lower class1637
the lower orders1679
worses1857
lesser breeds1897
lower depths1902
a1513 H. Bradshaw Lyfe St. Werburge (1521) i. i. sig. a.iiiv Some small treatyse, to wryte breuely To the comyn vulgares, theyr mynde to satisfy.
1549 T. Chaloner tr. Erasmus Praise of Folie sig. Gj He preferred also the Ideote and simple vulgars, before other learned and reputed persons.
1598 R. Bernard tr. Terence Eunuch ii. iii, in Terence in Eng. 131 I can nothing at all away with these vulgars, wherein there is no excellencie of beautie.
?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) vi. 425 For these vile vulgars are extreamly proud, And fouly languag'd.
1678 S. Butler Hudibras: Third Pt. iii. i. 65 He therefore sent out all his senses, To bring him in, Intelligences, Which vulgars out of ignorance, Mistake, for falling in a Trance.
b. A person not reckoned as belonging to good society.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > socially inferior person > [noun]
lowerc1175
afterlingc1275
smalla1325
nethererc1443
undermana1661
lowlife1712
vulgar1763
vulgarian1809
rank outsider1869
low man on the totem1956
plural.
singular.1767 S. Bunbury in J. H. Jesse G. Selwyn & his Contemp. (1843) II. 191 A Mr. Brereton (a sad vulgar).1781 J. Burgoyne Lord of Manor ii. i It would be as low to accept the challenge of a vulgar as to refuse it to an equal.1825 C. M. Westmacott Eng. Spy II. 97 The mobbing a vulgar, the hoaxing a quiz,..All these were among Jekyl's early peculiarities.1763 G. Williams in J. H. Jesse G. Selwyn & his Contemp. (1843) I. 264 I have named you those whom you know; the rest are numerous, but vulgars.
1766 G. Williams in J. H. Jesse G. Selwyn & his Contemp. (1843) II. 32 Lord Lincoln exhibited his person yesterday on the Stein, to the surprise of all the vulgars.
1794 J. Wolcot Ode to Sun 171 The Great retire from routs..And cry,..‘Vulgars! that never wax-lights handle!’
1815 Zeluca I. 339 I think I told you there was quite nothing but vulgars at the two last balls.
1828 W. S. Landor Imaginary Conversat. III. ix. 147 She associated and assimilated with the very worst in the polar circle of both vulgars.
3. in extended use.1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 209 The Leaders [of the herd] first He laid along, and then the Vulgar pierc'd.† b. A common sort or class (of persons). Obsolete. rare.
a. the vulgar, the common people. Also with a.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > [noun]
folkc888
peoplea1325
frapec1330
commona1350
common peoplea1382
commonsa1382
commontya1387
communityc1400
meiniec1400
commonaltya1425
commonsa1500
vulgarsa1513
many1526
meinie1532
multitude1535
the many-headed beast (also monster)1537
number1542
ignobility1546
commonitya1550
popular1554
populace1572
popularya1578
vulgarity?1577
populacya1583
rout1589
the vulgar1590
plebs1591
mobile vulgusc1599
popularity1599
ignoble1603
the million1604
plebe1612
plebeity1614
the common filea1616
the herda1616
civils1644
commonality1649
democracy1656
menu1658
mobile1676
crowd1683
vulgusa1687
mob1691
Pimlico parliament?1774
citizenry1795
polloi1803
demos1831
many-headed1836
hoi polloi1837
the masses1837
citizenhood1843
John Q.1922
wimble-wamble1937
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. xii. sig. Oo2 To the vulgare beckning with his hand, In signe of silence, as to heare a play.
1591 E. Spenser Teares of Muses in Complaints 194 All places they with follie haue possest, And with vaine toyes the vulgare entertaine But me haue banished.
1614 A. Gorges tr. Lucan Pharsalia ii. 66 The vulgar most to Pompey bends.
1614 A. Gorges tr. Lucan Pharsalia ii. 66 (margin) The vulgar do more affect Pompey then Cæsar.
1665 J. Glanvill Sciri Tuum: Authors Defense 57 in Scepsis Scientifica Which saying holds not only in Morals, but in all things else which the vulgar use to judge in.
1692 R. Bentley Boyle Lect. ii. 8 This is directly levell'd against the gross Idolatry of the Vulgar.
1738 Gentleman's Mag. Feb. 77/1 Her enlightened Horn is turn'd towards the Horizon, or, as the Vulgar speak, The Moon lies on her Back.
1783 Ld. Hailes Disquis. Antiq. Christian Church vi. 182 (note) The heathen vulgar might have inferred the likelihood of an approaching apotheosis.
1827 H. Hallam Constit. Hist. Eng. I. ii. 92 The mysteriousness of an unknown dialect served to impose on the vulgar.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth Introd., in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. I. 15 We talk of a credulous vulgar, without always recollecting [etc.].
1855 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity IV. ix. vii. 126 Nor was this the suspicion of the vulgar alone, it seems to have been shared by the clergy.
1899 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. VIII. 824 The growths..render the patient a remarkable and hideous object, exhibited for gain to the gaze of the vulgar.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > low rank or condition > [noun] > a low or lower class
lowa1225
vulgar1645
under-sort1655
substratum1830
1645 J. Milton Tetrachordon 81 There is a vulgar also of teachers, who are blindly by whom they fancy led, as they lead the people.
a. plural. Sentences or passages in English to be translated into Latin as a school-exercise. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > learning > study > subject or object of study > [noun] > exercises or homework
lesson?c1225
renderc1380
vulgars1520
practicec1541
theme1545
example1562
tax1564
repetition1579
exercise1612
praxis1612
recreation1633
pensum1667
vacation-exercisea1668
version1711
task1737
thesisa1774
dictation1789
challenging1825
holiday task1827
devoir1849
homework1852
vulgus1857
cram-book1858
rep1858
banco1862
prep1866
classwork1867
preparation1875
work card1878
vacation-task1904
1520 R. Whittington Uulgaria sig. F.v Hast thou wryt all ye vulgars yt our mayster hath gyuen vnto vs this mornynge.
1545–7 in Archaeologia (1852) 34 41 The thrid forme..hath throwgh the weke overnyght a verbe set up to be examyned in the mornyng, and makith vulgares upon yt.
1580 T. M. in Baret's Aluearie (rev. ed.) To Rdr. sig. A.vi/2 A booke for such, that can peruse it right, Of profite great, when they their Vulgars write.
1612 J. Brinsley Ludus Lit. x. 148 I haue giuen them vulgars, or Englishes, such as I haue deuised, to be made in Latine.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > a language > [noun] > native language > vernacular word or expression
vulgar1532
vulgarism1644
vernacularism1846
vernacularity1867
1532 Gower's Conf. Ep. Ded. aa ij b For the plenty of englysshe wordes and vulgars,..whiche olde englysshe wordes and vulgars no wyse man, because of theyr antiquite, wyll throwe asyde.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > text > edition > [noun] > Vulgate > of Jerome
vulgar1615
Vulgate1728
1615 J. Day Festivals 110 So the Vulgar doth read it to, Nisi baptisentur.
1647 J. Trapp Comm. Epist. & Rev. (Rom. ix. 25) God calls the Church, the beloved of his soul, or (as the Septuagint and Vulgar reade it) his beloved soul.
1699 T. Baker Refl. Learning xvi. 201 I should be as glad, and would go as far to meet with the Ancient Vulgar of the New Testament, as any Man should do; but [etc.].
1699 T. Baker Refl. Learning xvi. 202 St. Jerome's manner of reforming the Ancient Vulgar was, by comparing and reducing it to the Greek Original.
1711 G. Hickes Two Treat. (ed. 3) I. ii. 61 Which Expression is also wanting both in the Original and in our Translation, and in the Vulgar.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > bad taste > lack of refinement > [noun] > vulgarity
community1600
vulgarness1642
vulgar1655
vulgarism1749
vulgaritya1774
tigerism1836
plebeianness1840
shopkeeperism1843
vulgarianism1920
corniness1932
kitschiness1971
1655 tr. C. Sorel Comical Hist. Francion i. 17 The Gentleman told his bed-fellow, that his gallant Garb and Countenance, wherein he perceived nothing of Vulgar, was the charm that had won his affection.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1920; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
vulgaradj.
/ˈvʌlɡə/, U.S. /ˈvəlɡər/ I. Senses relating to common practice or occurrence.† 7. Of common occurrence; not rare. Obsolete.
1. † c. vulgar arithmetic n. ordinary arithmetic as opposed to decimal. Obsolete. rare.
a. Employed in common or ordinary reckoning of time, distance, etc.; esp., in later use, vulgar era, the ordinary Christian era.
ΚΠ
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) ii. §9. 22 The same manere maistow worke to knowe the quantite of the vulgar nyht.
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) ii. §9. 22 The day vulgare, that is to seyen, from spring of the day vn-to verrey nyht.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 142 The way from Rome to Sienna is thus vulgarly noted..In all..ninetie sixe miles. I will follow my Italian consorts..who doe not much differ from this vulgar number of miles.
1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. i. 3 They.., confound..the true Epoche of the Olympiads with the vulgar.
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ i. iii. §1 The vulgar account of years from the beginning of the world.
1716 H. Prideaux Old & New Test. Connected I. i. 1 The vulgar era, by which we now compute the years from his incarnation.
a1727 I. Newton Chronol. Anc. Kingdoms Amended (1728) i. 80 Seven hundred forty and seven years before the Vulgar Æra of Christ.
1788 J. Priestley Lect. Hist. iii. xiv. 117 The vulgar Christian Aera answers the same purpose as effectually.
1839 J. Yeowell Anc. Brit. Church (1847) App. i. 169 The fifty-seventh year of the vulgar computation.
1882 A. H. Keane in Nature 10 Aug. 345/1 Owing to constant migrations..throughout the fourth and fifth centuries of the vulgar era.
b. vulgar fraction: see vulgar fraction at fraction n. 5a.
ΚΠ
a1690 S. Jeake Λογιστικηλογία (1696) 279 Simple Cossical Fractions..are expressed like Vulgar Fractions.
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) Vulgar Fractions, the ordinary Sort of Fractions, distinguished from Decimal Fractions.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Fraction Vulgar Fractions, called also Simple Fractions, are always express'd by two Numbers, the one wrote over the other, with a Line between them.
1798 C. Hutton Course Math. I. 51 Of vulgar fractions.
a1831 Encycl. Metrop. (1845) I. 441/2 Rules are also given for the reduction of vulgar to decimal fractions by a simple proportion.
1873 J. Hamblin Smith Arith. (ed. 2) 83 A Vulgar Fraction may be converted into a Decimal Fraction.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > arithmetic > [noun] > kinds of
decimal arithmetic1608
disme1608
decimal1623
vulgar arithmetic1653
logistic1656
figurate arithmetic1666
rhabdology1667
mental arithmetic1766
binary arithmetic1796
the world > relative properties > number > arithmetic > [adjective] > specific kinds
natural1630
logistical1653
vulgar arithmetic1653
logistic1656
binary arithmetic1796
1653 N. Bridges (title) Vulgar Arithmetique, explayning the Secrets of that Art.
1694 J. Selden (title) The tradesman's help. An introduction to arithmetick both vulgar, decimal, and instrumental.
a1731 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Gentleman (1890) 220 How many noble artists have we in the greatest and best branches of the Mathematicks (viz.), in Astronomy, in Geometry, in Arithmetick as well vulgar as decimal.
2. † b. Used to designate the Vulgate version of the Bible. Obsolete. (Cf. vulgar n. 5.)
a. In common or general use; common, customary, or ordinary, as a matter of use or practice.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > [adjective] > usual or customary
wonesomec1200
wonec1275
customable1381
customeda1382
useda1382
wonta1382
wonted1408
accustomed1429
vulgarc1430
usualc1444
famosec1449
customalc1450
accustomablec1475
accustomatea1513
frequent1531
accustomary1541
customary1574
frequented1586
consuetudinary1590
ordinary1605
consuetudinal1656
habitual1689
solent1694
regulation1803
usitate1885
c1430 J. Lydgate Minor Poems (Percy Soc.) 87 Isys in Egipt fonde a diversite Of sundry lettres parted in tweyne; First to pristes, and to the comunalte Vulgar lettres he dide also ordeyne.
1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Vulgar, or much vsed, uulgatus.
1594 T. Blundeville Exercises i. xxvii. f. 32 As minutes, seconds, thirds, fourthes,..marked with streekes and vulgare numbers.
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lxv. 162 We neither omit it..nor altogether make it so vulgar as the custome heretofore hath bene.
1610 J. Guillim Display of Heraldrie ii. i. 40 I could produce many examples euen to this day; were not the vse heereof so vulgar.
1659 H. Thorndike Wks. (1846) II. 458 The solemn times..cannot..have been settled till Christianity was grown very vulgar.
1693 J. Locke Some Thoughts conc. Educ. §175 Another thing very ordinary in the vulgar Method of Grammar-Schools there is, of which I see no Use at all.
1729 T. Innes Crit. Ess. Anc. Inhabitants Scotl. I. 18 So the vulgar version of Ziphilin's abridgment of Dio hath it.
a1797 E. Burke Thoughts on Scarcity (1800) 24 Compelling us to diminish the quantity of labour which in the vulgar course we actually employ.
1826 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey II. iv. ii. 175 We talk..as often about our enemies—at least those who have any; which, in my opinion, is the vulgarest of all possessions.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > text > edition > [adjective] > Vulgate
vulgar1535
Vulgate1609
Clementine1705
Hentenian1827
Sixtine1843
society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > text > edition > [adjective] > Vulgate > Jerome
vulgar1535
1535 G. Joye Apol. Tindale sig. F.viiiv T[indale]..ministreth a shrewd occasion..by vntrwly translating this sentence. et vnicuique seminum dat deus suum or proprium corpus (as hathe the vulgare texte).
1538 Bible (Coverdale) (title page) After the vulgare text communely called S. Jeroms.
1583 W. Fulke Def. Transl. Script. xvii. 447 That S. Hieronyme was author of the vulgar Latine interpretation, of the olde Testament.
1652 M. Nedham tr. J. Selden Of Dominion of Sea 31 So they are expressed in the vulgar Edition, out of the Hebrew Original, which is lost.
1674 J. Owen Disc. Holy Spirit i. iv. §6. 71 The Vulgar Latine in this Place renders the Word by Ornatus eorum.
1677 J. Owen Doctr. Justif. by Faith iv. 185 All which things prefer the Complutensian, Syriack, and Arabick, before the vulgar reading of this place.
1691 A. Gavin Frauds Romish Monks (ed. 3) 51 Contrary to the express words of the Vulgar Translation.
1823 A. Small Rom. Antiq. Fife v. 102 The vulgar Latin [reads] thus.
3. † c. In predicative use; also const. to. Obsolete.
a. Of language or speech: commonly or customarily used by the people of a country; ordinary, vernacular.In common use c1525–1650; now archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > a language > [adjective] > native or vernacular
kinda1325
maternal1481
vulgara1513
motherly1598
natural1617
vernacular1647
vernaculary1652
vernaculous1658
vernacule1669
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. xvii. f. ix Whiche feld or countre where ye sayd Morgan faughte and was slayne, is to this day called Glaumorgan, whiche is to meane in our vulgar tunge Morgan nys lande.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 17 Suche as writte farcis & contrefait the vulgare speche.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. xix. 133 b They celebrate their office..in the Armenian tongue,..[and] the standers by..answere them in the same vulgare language.
?c1622 E. Bolton Hypercritica (1722) iv. §2 Mr. Hooker's Preface to his Books of Ecclesiastical Policy is a singular and choice Parcel of our vulgar Language.
1653 W. Ramesey Astrologia Restaurata 84 To treat..of this noble Art..in a plain manner, and our vulgar tongue.
1707 J. Chamberlayne Present State Great Brit. (1710) i. iii. vii. 204 There were..more good, and more bad Books printed and published in the English Tongue, than in all the vulgar Languages in Europe.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 141. ⁋11 To be instructed in their Duties in the known or vulgar Tongue.
1855 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity IV. ix. viii. 185 They read the Gospels, they preached, and they prayed in the vulgar tongue.
1873 E. E. Hale In his Name ii. 8 Bits of Paul or Matthew or Luke which had been translated into the vulgar language.
b. Used to qualify the name of the language.
ΚΠ
1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) Ded. 3 To translate & reduce this said book out of frenssh in to our vulgar englissh.
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage vi. xii. 530 They are much addicted to Poetrie, and make long Poems of their warres, huntings, and loues,..in rithme, like the vulgar Italian Sonnets.
1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 102 Though several of them understand Italian, yet their usual Language is the vulgar Greek, which is for the most part but the literal Greek corrupted.
1699 R. Bentley Diss. Epist. Phalaris (new ed.) 404 Which we are sure..continued to be pure and Vulgar Syriac for 2000 Years.
1717 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 1 Apr. (1965) I. 333 The vulgar Turk is very different from what is spoke at Court.
1766 Compl. Farmer at Surveying This in vulgar English may be called a corner.
1818 H. Hallam View Europe Middle Ages II. ix. 427 We cannot..ascertain in what degree the vulgar Latin differed from that of Cicero or Seneca.
a1873 E. O. M. Deutsch Lit. Remains (1874) 358 The Samaritan Dialect, a mixture of vulgar Hebrew and Aramean.
ΚΠ
1564 T. Harding Answere to Iuelles Chalenge xv. f. 153v Hebrewe, Greke and Latine..as they were once natiue and vulgare to those three peoples, so now to none be they natiue and vulgare.
a1613 E. Brerewood Enq. Langs. & Relig. (1614) i. 1 The Greeke tongue..although it belonged originally to Hellas alone, yet in time it became vulgare to these also.
1668 Bp. J. Wilkins Ess. Real Char. i. i. §4. 5 After the Captivity the pure Hebrew ceased to be Vulgar, remaining onely amongst learned men.
1699 T. Baker Refl. Learning ii. 13 The Greek Tongue had the same Fortune with the Latine, tho it continu'd vulgar longer.
1712 J. Swift Proposal for Eng. Tongue 9 Neither was that [sc. the Latin] Language ever so vulgar in Britain, as it is known to have been in Gaul and Spain.
4. † a. Written or spoken in, translated into, the usual language of a country. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > a language > [adjective] > native or vernacular > written or spoken in
vulgar1513
vernacular1661
1513 G. Douglas in tr. Virgil Æneid i. Prol. 498 Thair may be na compair Betwixt his versis and my style wlgair.
1513 G. Douglas in tr. Virgil Æneid Exclamatioun 37 Go, wlgar Virgill, to euery churlich wycht Say, I avow thou art translatit rycht.
1556 R. Record Castle of Knowl. Contents With sundry..newe demonstrations not Written before in any vulgare woorkes.
1599 E. Sandys Europæ Speculum (1632) 115 They have called all vulgar Bibles streightly in againe.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary iii. 30 I had some skill in that Language, especially for vulgar speeches.
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 79 Never learning anything but reading and writing, and certain vulgar prayers.
b. Of words or names: employed in ordinary speech; common, familiar.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > a language > register > [adjective] > colloquial
vulgar1677
idiomatic1712
colloquial1752
informal1832
demotic1872
1677 T. Hobbes in tr. Homer Iliads (ed. 2) To Rdr. sig. A4 Forein words till by long use they become vulgar, are unintelligible to them.
1776 D. Dalrymple Ann. Scotl. I. 3 (note) I suspect that Lulach was rather his vulgar sirname, than his name.
1785 T. Martyn tr. J.-J. Rousseau Lett. Elements Bot. Introd. 2 These plants had a different vulgar name in every province.
1800 T. Bewick (title) Figures of British land birds..to which are added, a few foreign birds, with their vulgar and scientific names.
5. Common or customary in respect of the use or understanding of language, words, or ideas.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > [adjective] > usual or ordinary
commona1325
naturalc1390
ordinarc1400
ordinary?a1425
ilk-day's1488
naturely?c1510
famous1528
familiar1533
vulgar1553
workaday1554
modern1591
tralatitious1653
commonish1792
workday1808
everyday1813
bread and butter1822
normal1843
common-seeming1857
tralatician1893
wake-a-day1893
the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > [adjective] > usual or customary > usual in respect of language or ideas
vulgar1553
1553 T. Wilson Arte of Rhetorique 94 I might tary a longe tyme in declaryng the nature of diuerse Schemes, whiche are woordes or sentencies altered..contrarie to the vulgare custome of our speache without chaungyng their nature at all.
1612 T. Bodley in Macray Ann. Bodleian (1880) 410 I make request yt all my words be construed directly and in vulgar sense.
1634 W. Prynne Let. in S. Gardiner Documents Proc. against W. Prynne (1877) 48 My expressions too (at least in my intention, opinion, and vulgar acceptacion), are innocent and sincere.
1708 W. Whiston New Theory of Earth (ed. 2) ii. 160 By a Month, in the vulgar way of speaking, is meant 30 Days.
1727 D. Defoe Syst. Magick i. i. 26 The People call'd Magicians, in the present vulgar Acceptation of the Word.
1754 J. Edwards Careful Enq. Freedom of Will i. iii. 14 The Word Necessity, in it's vulgar and common Use, is relative.
1798 E. H. Bay Rep. Cases Superior Courts S.-Carolina 85 The vulgar meaning of the words ‘dying without issue’.
1862 J. H. Burton Book-hunter (1863) 5 The vulgar everyday-world way of putting the idea.
1878 B. Stewart & P. G. Tait Unseen Universe i. §39. 57 The doctrine of the resurrection in its vulgar acceptation could not possibly be true.
6. Commonly current or prevalent, generally or widely disseminated, as a matter of knowledge, assertion, or opinion:
a. Of sayings, statements, facts, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > [adjective] > general or prevalent
commona1325
generala1393
usual1396
popular?a1425
riveda1513
vulgarc1550
current1563
afloat1571
widespread1582
penny-rife1606
catholic1607
spacious1610
epidemical1614
epidemial1616
epidemic1617
prevailent1623
regnant1623
fashionablea1627
wide-spreading1655
endemical1658
prevalent1658
endemiala1682
obtaining1682
prevailing1682
endemious1684
sterling1696
running1697
(as) common as dirt (also muck)1737
prevailant1794
exoteric1814
endemic1852
widish1864
prolate1882
going1909
c1550 Complaynt Scotl. (1979) 6 Fra this exempil cummis ane vlgare adagia.
1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. ii. 99 Neither was there any thing more vulgare in euery mans mouth.
1607 T. Rogers Faith, Doctr., & Relig. Pref. sig. ¶¶¶3v Bookes, and open speeches..(and all of them made vulgar within a yeare, and little more after his happie ingresse into this kingdome).
1653 W. Ramesey Astrologia Restaurata To Rdr. 6 But I shall answer in that vulgar and rustical Proverb, it is a good Horse that never stumbles.
1693 J. Dryden in tr. Persius Satires i. 18 (note) The Story is vulgar, that Midas King of Phrygia, was made judge betwixt Apollo and Pan, who was the best Musician.
1830 W. Hamilton in Edinb. Rev. Oct. 186 One vulgar passage from the writings of that philosopher.
1892 Daily News 19 Dec. 5/4 It set the seal, however, on his vulgar, as distinct from his professional, fame.
b. Of discourse, rumour, etc.
ΚΠ
1595 W. S. Lamentable Trag. Locrine iv. i. 138 What would the common sort report of me, If I forget my loue, and cleaue to thee? Loc. Kings need not feare the vulgar sentences.
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets cxii. sig. G4 Your loue and pittie doth th' impression fill, Which vulgar scandall stampt vpon my brow. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iii. i. 101 If by strong hand you offer to breake in,..A vulgar comment will be made of it. View more context for this quotation
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary ii. 20 Of late (according to vulgar speech) he had displeased the Earle of Essex.
1691 A. Wood Athenæ Oxonienses I. 323 The then vulgar talk was, the Devil came to take away Oliv. Cromwell, who then lay on his death-bed.
1818 P. B. Shelley Julian & Maddalo 362 Believe that I am ever still the same,..Nor dream that I will join the vulgar cry.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. xix. 302 They did not join in the vulgar cry against the Dutch.
c. Of knowledge, opinions, notions, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > knowledge, what is known > familiarity > [adjective] > generally known
commona1387
notorious1531
vulgar1548
current1563
going1909
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > opinion held by group > [adjective] > held by majority
vulgar1548
1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxv Notwithstandyng the vulgare opinion..the wisedom of this world, is folishenes before God.
1605 R. Verstegan Restit. Decayed Intelligence vii. 199 To giue the reader some knowlege more then is vulgar.
c1610 J. Melville Mem. Own Life (1683) 125 He was become careless, following in many things the vulgar opinion.
1655 N. Culpeper et al. tr. L. Rivière Pract. Physick xi. iv. 33 That vulgar difficulty which is controverted by almost all Writers.
1701 J. Swift Disc. Contests Nobles & Commons v. 48 This is a Truth of vulgar Knowledge and Observation.
1794 J. Hutton Diss. Philos. Light 127 According to the vulgar notions of things, cold is considered as absolutely subsisting in bodies, in the same manner as heat.
1832 Ld. Palmerston Opinions & Policy (1852) 219 Taking the merest and vulgarest view of the matter.
1854 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity II. iv. i. 10 Mohammedanism..a stern negation..of the vulgar polytheism which prevailed among the ruder Arab tribes.
1875 M. Arnold Ess. Crit. (ed. 3) ix. 375 This mode of interpreting Scripture is fatal to the vulgar notion of its verbal inspiration.
d. Of errors, prejudices, etc.
ΚΠ
1630 tr. G. Botero Relations Famous Kingdomes World (rev. ed.) 546 This is but a vulgar errour.
1670 W. Perwich Despatches (1903) 91 A vulgar mistake of the death of the Duke of Lorraine instead of that of the Great Duke of Florence.
1691 T. Hale Acct. New Inventions p. xxiii The idle conceit of the Fish Remora, which mens sottishness hath made a vulgar one.
1785 T. Reid Ess. Intellect. Powers i. i. 221 May natural judgement not be a vulgar error?
1798 J. Ferriar Illustr. Sterne vi. 165 Mr. Shandy has passed a similar condemnation on some English names, to which vulgar prejudices are attached.
1845 R. Ford Hand-bk. Travellers in Spain I. i. 5 One of the old vulgar superstitions in Spain.
1856 E. K. Kane Arctic Explor. I. xxix. 392 I satisfied myself that it was a vulgar prejudice to regard the liver of the bear as poisonous.
1879 J. McCarthy Hist. Own Times I. v. 104 One of the vulgarest fallacies of statecraft.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > [adjective] > usual or ordinary > ordinary or of usual occurrence
naturala1425
usual?1577
ordinary1594
vulgar1607
bog-standard1962
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 111 Other things, I omit concerning this beast [sc. the cony], because as it is vulgar, the benefits thereof are commonly known.
1657 S. Purchas Theatre Flying-insects 7 The Chameleon, a vile (and in many Countries a Vulgar) Creature.
8. Of or pertaining to the common people.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > [adjective]
landish1489
popil1531
popular1533
secular1589
plebeial1590
plebeian1602
vulgar1605
plebal1606
multitudinousa1616
gregarian1632
gregary1640
populous1657
roturière1791
demotic1831
vulgarian1833
demic1834
commonal1865
communal1878
folkish1938
plebby1962
pleb1972
1605 1st Pt. Jeronimo sig. Cv I will buze Andreas Landing, Which once but crept into the vulger mouthes, Is hurryed heer, and there, and sworne for troth.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 (1623) i. iii. 90 An habitation giddy, and vnsure Hath he that buildeth on the vulgar heart.
1622 H. Peacham Compl. Gentleman i. 13 Those [apples] of Hesperides, golden, and out of the vulgar reach.
1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica i. v. 17 Though a weaknesse of the Intellect, and most discoverable in vulgar heads, yet hath it sometime fallen upon wiser braines. View more context for this quotation
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis xii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 578 The more he was with Vulgar hate oppress'd The more his Fury boil'd within his Breast.
1783 W. Thomson in R. Watson & W. Thomson Hist. Reign Philip III vi. 408 A veil of pomp..concealed from the vulgar eye the symptoms of its decay.
1796 Bp. R. Watson Apol. for Bible 209 You have merely busied yourself in exposing to vulgar contempt a few unsightly shrubs.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake iii. 133 Grey Superstition's whisper dread Debarred the spot to vulgar tread.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake v. 235 With like acclaim, the vulgar throat Strained for King James their morning note.
1855 Poultry Chron. 2 561/1 He was in a coop protected from the vulgar gaze, by a covering of green baize.
1870 W. S. Jevons Elem. Lessons Logic xxvii. 237 All observations..negative the idea that there can be any such influence as the vulgar mind attributes to the moon.
II. Senses relating to the common class of people; commonplace; lacking in refinement, coarse.† 12. Common in respect of use or association. Obsolete. rare.
9. Of persons: belonging to the ordinary or common class in the community; not distinguished or marked off from this in any way; plebeian:in extended use.1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 577 Where the great Luminarie Alooff the vulgar Constellations thick..Dispenses Light from farr. View more context for this quotation† c. Holding an ordinary place in a certain class; esp. of soldiers. Obsolete.† d. the vulgar world, the world at large. Obsolete.
a. With collective terms, as people, sort.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > [adjective] > common
unornOE
commona1382
vulgar1530
popular1533
plain1542
dunghill1548
ordinarya1586
plebeious1610
roturier1614
terraefilian1887
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 369 Septante, octante, and nonante, be never used of the voulger people.
1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason Ep. sig. Aiijv Diuerse learned men..haue with most earnest trauaile made euery of them familiar to their vulgare people.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Solon in Panoplie Epist. 193 To circumuent the common people, he spared no coloured pretence to allure the vulgar sort.
1610 Bible (Douay) II. Jer. xxvi. 23 He cast forth his carcasse in the sepulchers of the base vulgar people.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. i. 26 They of the vulgar kind are both ignorant, sluttish and greedy.
1649 J. Milton Εικονοκλαστης Pref. sig. B3 The last Will of Cæsar being read to the people, and what..Legacies he had bequeath'd them, wrought more in that Vulgar audience to the avenging of his death.
1705 G. Stanhope Paraphr. Epist. & Gospels I. 34 Instead of numerous Guards, and triumphal Chariots, and costly Preparations, we find only the Attendance of a Vulgar and despised Crowd.
1718 M. Prior Solomon on Vanity i, in Poems Several Occasions (new ed.) 422 One [elder], in whom an outward Mien appear'd, And Turn superior to the vulgar Herd.
1820 W. Hazlitt Lect. Dramatic Lit. 12 He [Shakspeare] was not something sacred and aloof from the vulgar herd of men.
1821 Ld. Byron Sardanapalus v. i. 141 'Tis easy to astonish or appal The vulgar mass which moulds a horde of slaves.
b. With individual designations (in singular or plural).
ΚΠ
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. ix. 121 The vulgare Arabians doe cal it Rabach.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iv. i. 130 Rather let my head Stoope to the blocke,..Then stand vncouer'd to the Vulgar Groom. View more context for this quotation
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 188 If any vulgar fellow meet them, they presently shake and vibrate their Swords vpon their Shields, crying aloud Nayroe.
1648 J. Beaumont Psyche xvii. cclxxiv. 335 Thou seest with what exact Obedience all My vulgar Subjects on their Necks doe take My heaviest Yokes.
1709 J. Strype Ann. Reformation xxxix. 406 This letter..may deserve an English translation of it, for the sake of vulgar readers.
1765 H. Walpole Castle of Otranto i Some of the vulgar spectators had run to the great church which stood near the castle and came back open-mouthed.
1779 S. Johnson Milton in Pref. Wks. Eng. Poets II. 204 The vulgar inhabitants of Pandæmonium being incorporeal spirits, are at large..in a limited space.
1798 S. Lee Young Lady's Tale in H. Lee Canterbury Tales II. 300 Credulity is..the characteristic of the vulgar Italians.
1813 P. B. Shelley Queen Mab v. 66 How many a vulgar Cato has compelled His energies..To mould a pin, or fabricate a nail.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > the common people of any group > [adjective]
vulgar1612
ordinary1855
rank and file1887
1612 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 26 Despising of Marriage amongst the Turkes, maketh the vulgar Souldier more base.
1651 J. Howell S.P.Q.V. 129 The greatest prisoners were Achmet and Mahomet..with thirty thousand vulgar soldiers.
1794 G. Chalmers Life T. Ruddiman 90 The magistrates [in 1660] steadily prohibited the vulgar schoolmasters from teaching Latin.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > [noun] > the generality > people generally
the vulgar world1632
outer world1874
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. A 4 My three Voyages, which are now layd open to the Vulgar World.
10. Of the common or usual kind; of an ordinary commonplace character; exhibiting no special or distinguishing quality:† a. Of material things.† b. Of plants, animals, etc. Obsolete.† d. Of persons. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > [adjective] > generally accessible or available
commonc1300
openc1390
publicc1485
vulgar1555
civil1605
free-for-all1871
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde i. ii. f. 7v Their vulgare cotages.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde iii. v. f. 117 Of this is made the more vulgar or common breade.
1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet i. ii. 99 For what we knowe must be, and is as common As any the most vulgar thing to sence, Why should we..Take it to hart. View more context for this quotation
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary iii. 63 Copper mettall, adorned with vulgar precious stones.
1657 J. Beale Herefordshire Orchards 16 That the setlings might gather root as well in that vulgar ground, as also in the finer mould.
1694 W. Salmon Pharmacopœia Bateana i. ii. 47/2 First comes the Flegm, then the volatile Spirit; lastly, the Oyl, or Vulgar Spirit.
1744 G. Berkeley Siris (ESTC T72826) §10 This vulgar tar, which cheapness and plenty may have rendered contemptible, appears to be an excellent balsam.
1784 Med. Observ. & Inquiries VI. i. 14 Punch, made with a maceration of black currants in our vulgar corn spirit, is a liquor that agrees remarkably well with him.
ΚΠ
c1595 Countess of Pembroke Psalme civ. 45 in Coll. Wks. (1998) II. 159 The vulgar grasse, whereof the beast is faine, The rarer hearbman for him self hath chose.
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 731 A vulgar weasell being kept very old and drunke in Wine, to the quantity of two drams, is accounted a present remedy against the venome or stings of serpents.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 543 I meane not those vulgar birds which in other places are highly esteemed.
1665–76 J. Rea Flora (ed. 3) 17 The other sorts..you will find..among Greens more vulgar.
a1682 Sir T. Browne Certain Misc. Tracts (1684) 62 Bellonius..observed not the vulgar Oak in those parts.
1782–3 W. F. Martyn Geogr. Mag. 704 Those of an inferior rank make use of the foliage of some more vulgar tree.
1803 G. Ellis Let. to Scott 3 Oct. We possess a vulgar dog (a pointer), to whom it is intended to commit the charge of our house during our absence.
c. Of qualities, actions, etc.
ΚΠ
1559 J. Knox Declar. to Queen Elizabeth 20 July in E. Arber First Blast (1880) App. 60 Neyther yit wold I that ye should esteam that mercy to be vulgar and commone which ye haue receaued.
1561 R. Eden in tr. M. Cortés Arte Nauigation Pref. sig. ¶ii I thynke that he was a man of no vulgare iudgement.
1596 Raigne of Edward III sig. C4 These are the vulger tenders of false men, That neuer pay the duetie of their words. View more context for this quotation
1602 W. S. True Chron. Hist. Ld. Cromwell sig. D2 Thou art a man, differing from vulgar forme.
1622 F. Bacon Hist. Raigne Henry VII 144 Many Lawes were made, of a more priuate and vulgar nature then ought to detaine the Reader of an Historie.
1649 F. Roberts Clavis Bibliorum (ed. 2) 512 Here are not vulgar but extraordinary Histories.
1716 J. Gay Trivia ii. 32 Yet let me not descend to trivial Song, Not vulgar Circumstance my Verse prolong.
1757 T. Gray Ode I iii. iii, in Odes 11 Yet shall he mount, and keep his distant way Beyond the limits of a vulgar fate.
a1797 E. Burke Thoughts on Scarcity (1800) 4 Philosophical happiness is to want little. Civil or vulgar happiness is to want much, and to enjoy much.
1848 W. K. Kelly tr. L. Blanc Hist. Ten Years I. 366 That is assuredly a very vulgar policy, and one within the scope of the most ordinary capacities.
1867 F. D. Maurice Patriarchs & Law-givers (1877) v. 104 A history which exhibits God as an actual personal Being, without whom the vulgarest affairs of men are unintelligible and anomalous.
ΚΠ
1570 J. Dee in H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. Math. Præf. sig. *ij Vulgar Practisers, haue Numbers, otherwise, in sundry Considerations.
1609 Bible (Douay) I. 1 Chron. i. comm. We wil present to the vulgar reader, certaine cleare and ordinarie rules, by which the learned Divines do reconcile such apparent contradictions.
1664 H. Power Exper. Philos. i. 43 We need not so much wonder with the Vulgar Philosophers, how so clear and glorious a body..should be made of so durty..Materials.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 142 No vulgar God Pursues thy Crimes, nor with a Common Rod. View more context for this quotation
1729 T. Innes Crit. Ess. Anc. Inhabitants Scotl. I. Pref. p. vii These considerations..made me..resolve to..leave to others the invidious task of reforming our vulgar historians.
1752 D. Hume Polit. Disc. x. 224 The most vulgar slave cou'd yield by his labour an obolus a day, over and above his maintenance.
1794 E. Burke Let. to Duke of Portland (1844) IV. 235 It will not do for you to be vulgar, common~place ministers.
11. † b. Adapted to ordinary minds or comprehensions. Obsolete.
a. Of an ordinary unartificial type; not refined or advanced beyond the common.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > [adjective] > of no special quality > commonplace
commona1382
ordinarc1400
plainc1430
famosec1449
famous1528
vulgar1580
ordinary1590
undistinguished1600
indistinguished1608
commonplace1616
unremarkable1628
irremarkable1635
bread and cheese1643
incurious1747
ordinary-looking1798
routine1826
indistinctive1846
common-seeming1857
bread-and-butterish1893
bread-and-buttery1893
timeworn1901
day-to-day1919
vanilla1972
standard1977
1580 G. Harvey Let. to Spenser in E. Spenser Poet. Wks. (1912) 631/2 It is the vulgare and naturall Mother Prosodye, that alone worketh the feate.
1638 W. Rawley tr. F. Bacon Hist. Nat. & Exper. Life & Death 6 Omit, for the present, all Astrologicall Observations..: Onely insist upon the vulgar, and manifest Observations; As, whether they were borne..by Night or by Day.
1671 J. Webster Metallographia i. 1 As also the whole Band of the Chymists, both mystical and vulgar, do sufficiently testifie.
1725 I. Watts Logick i. iii. §4 Ideas are either vulgar or learned. A vulgar Idea represents to us the most obvious and sensible Appearances that are contained in the Object of them.
1749 D. Hartley Observ. Man i. i. §1. 35 Medicinal Bodies appear, from Observations both philosophical and vulgar, to be endued with more active Properties than common Aliments.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > clearness, lucidity > simplifying, popularization > [adjective] > generally intelligible
popular1573
exoterical1637
vulgar1643
exoteric1656
simplified1772
popularized1839
while-you-wait1929
pop1956
1643 Sir T. Browne Religio Medici (authorized ed.) i. §45 Unspeakable mysteries in the Scriptures are often delivered in a vulgar and illustrative way. View more context for this quotation
1651 T. Hobbes Philos. Rudim. Ep. Ded. sig. A9v If it be sound, if it be usefull, if it be vulgar; I humbly offer it to your Lordship.
a1652 J. Smith Select Disc. (1660) vi. i. 171 Speaking to the weakest sort of men in the most vulgar sort of dialect.
ΚΠ
1603 W. Shakespeare Hamlet i. iii. 61 Be thou familiar, but by no meanes vulgare.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) ii. i. 387 I'de play incessantly vpon these Iades, Euen till vnfenced desolation Leaue them as naked as the vulgar ayre. View more context for this quotation
13. Having a common and offensively mean character; coarsely commonplace; lacking in refinement or good taste; uncultured, ill-bred.
a. Of actions, manners, features, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > bad taste > lack of refinement > [adjective] > vulgar
knavishc1405
peoplisha1425
porterlike1568
mechanical1584
souterly1589
tapsterly1589
mechanic1598
porterly1603
tavernly1612
plebeian1615
vulgar1643
mobbish1695
pothouse1780
commonish1792
common1804
vulgarian1833
vulgarish1860
unselect1867
off-colour1875
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > [adjective] > ill-mannered > unrefined
boistousc1300
untheweda1325
uplandisha1387
unaffiled1390
rudea1393
knavishc1405
peoplisha1425
clubbedc1440
blunt1477
lob?1507
robust1511
borel1513
carterly1519
clubbish1530
rough?1531
rustical?1532
incondite1539
agrestc1550
rusticc1550
brute1555
lobcocka1556
loutisha1556
carterlike1561
boorish1562
ruggedc1565
lobbish1567
loutlike1567
sowish1570
clownish1581
unrefined1582
impolished1583
homespun1590
transalpinea1592
swaddish1593
unpolished1594
untutored1595
swabberly1596
tartarous1602
porterly1603
lobcocked1606
lob-like1606
cluster-fisted1611
agrestic1617
inurbane1623
unelevated1627
incult1628
unbrushed1640
vulgar1643
unhewed1644
unsmooth1648
hirsute1658
loutardly1658
unhewn1659
roughsome?c1660
sordid1668
inhumanea1680
coarse1699
brutal1709
ramgunshoch1721
tramontane1740
uncouth1740
no-nationa1756
unurbane1760
turnipy1792
rudas1802
common1804
cubbish1819
clodhopping1828
vulgarian1833
cloddish1844
unkempt1846
bush1851
vulgarish1860
rodney1866
crude1876
ignorant1886
yobby1910
nekulturny1932
oikish1959
yobbish1966
ocker1972
down and dirty1977
1643 J. Milton Soveraigne Salve 13 Are not such instances [of time-serving] as vulgar as the spirits that furnish us with them?
1699 J. Pomfret Pastoral Ess. Death Queen Mary 134 Nay, all affronts so unconcerned she bore,..As if she thought it vulgar to resent.
1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. ii. 113 To Intangle all those..who were transported with those vulgar and vile Considerations.
1797 Monthly Mag. 3 201 So, the word vulgar now implies something base and groveling in actions.
1811 J. Austen Sense & Sensibility I. xxi. 291 The vulgar freedom and folly of the eldest left her no recommendation. View more context for this quotation
1846 A. Marsh Father Darcy II. i. 17 There is something very coarse and vulgar in their countenances.
1846 A. Marsh Father Darcy II. iv. 90 His features were vulgar, his lips thick and coarse.
1853 F. D. Maurice Prophets & Kings Old Test. i. 7 This would be a low, paltry, vulgar way of accounting for his acts.
1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) V. 315 The vulgar sort of trade which is carried on by lending money.
b. Of persons.
ΚΠ
1678 A. Marvell Acct. Growth Popery (new ed.) 40 The mean malice of the same Vulgar Scribler, hired by the Conspirators at so much a sheet.
1778 F. Burney Evelina I. xvii. 115 Miss will think us very vulgar..to live in London, and never have been to an Opera.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas I. iii. iv. 371 I see the vulgar dog in an almshouse.
1835 N. P. Willis Pencillings I. ii. 18 A vulgar Marseilles shopkeeper.
1865 J. Ruskin Sesame & Lilies i. 61 It is in the blunt hand and the dead heart, in the diseased habit, in the hardened conscience, that men become vulgar.
1881 ‘Rita’ My Lady Coquette iii How hot and vulgar she looks with all that colour.
c. Of the mind, spirit, etc.
ΚΠ
1764 O. Goldsmith Traveller 12 In wild excess the vulgar breast takes fire, Till, buried in debauch, the bliss expire.
1766 C. Anstey New Bath Guide iii. i. 18 A Grace, an Air, a Taste refin'd, To vulgar Souls unknown.
1809–10 S. T. Coleridge Friend (1865) 113 It is so stimulant to the pride of a vulgar mind, to be persuaded that it knows what few others know.
1844 A. W. Kinglake Eothen v. 72 In all baseness and imposture there is a coarse, vulgar spirit.
1882 A. Bain James Mill vi. 288 Executions and death-scenes are great things for vulgar minds.
d. Of language, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > inelegance > [adjective] > low in style
broad1490
low1518
bawdy1519
comical?1565
foot1582
tavernly1612
mean1659
gruff1681
vulgar1716
terra a terra1728
pedestrian1805
unraised1817
terre-à-terre1888
1716 J. Gay Trivia i. 13 Let not such vulgar Tales debase thy Mind.
1813 Salem (Mass.) Gaz. 12 Mar. 2/4 To pronounce him a friend to Great-Britain; or, in their language of vulgar abuse, a British Tory.
1865 M. Arnold Ess. Crit. vii. 224 Saugrenu is a rather vulgar French word, but, like many other vulgar words, very expressive.
1891 F. W. Farrar Darkness & Dawn I. x. 80 They said..that—you—were—dare I speak the vulgar word?—a Christian.
e. Of material things.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > bad taste > lack of refinement > [adjective] > vulgar > specifically of material things
silly1570
vulgar1812
1812 H. Smith & J. Smith Rejected Addr. 75 I've heard our front that faces Drury Lane, Much criticised; they say 'tis vulgar brick work.
1817 T. Chalmers Series Disc. Christian Revel. (1852) ii. 45 While all the vulgar grandeur of other days is now mouldering in forgetfulness.
1905 ‘G. Thorne’ Lost Cause iv A wilderness of mean little houses and vulgar streets.
Compounds
C1.
a. General attributive.
vulgar-looking adj.
ΚΠ
1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 334 What that vulgar-looking fellow said after the funeral.
vulgar-minded adj.
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1816 Brief Remarks Eng. Manners 37 Not discriminating between real gentlemen who require no such hint, and vulgar~minded men who do.
1846 J. C. Hare Mission of Comforter II. 590 The vulgarminded in all ages have been incapable of conceiving that a man can be actuated by any but personal feelings.
1869 ‘G. Eliot’ in J. W. Cross George Eliot's Life III. 100 The most vulgar-minded genius that ever produced a great effect in literature.
vulgar-reasoning adj.
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1654 R. Whitlock Ζωοτομία 321 I am none of those vulgar-Reasoning Despisers of that Sex.
vulgar-sounding adj.
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1797 A. Seward Lett. (1811) IV. 302 His vulgar-sounding word, beleaguered, once used in the Paradise Lost, offends us continually in this new epic.
vulgar-spirited adj.
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1628 J. Earle Micro-cosmogr. l. sig. I6 A vulgar-spirited Man Is one of the heard of the World.
1703 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion II. vi. 57 The passions, and affections of the Vulgar-spirited.
vulgar-viewed adj.
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1852 Meanderings of Memory I. 149 She was not vulgar-viewed, her thinkings took The selfsame tenor.
b.
vulgar-wise adv.
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1827 P. Cunningham Two Years New S. Wales II. i. 21 One bird roasting aristocratically upon a wooden spit, and the other, broiling vulgar-wise, upon the embers.
c. † vulgar plain adj. Obsolete
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1554–9 in T. Wright Songs & Ballads Philip & Mary (1860) (Roxb.) 6 Good maners unto all degrese Ys mete for to be vulgar playne.
C2.
vulgar purgation n. a test by the ordeal of fire or water, or by wager of battle.
ΚΠ
1724 J.B. tr. C. Fleury Hist. Origine French Laws 31 These kinds of Vulgar Purgtion were in use in England till the time of Hen. III.
1930 A. I. Taft Apologye of Syr Thomas More 330 This was so called, because imposed by the canons, and to distinguish it from the vulgar purgation, which consisted in the ordeal, and had been reprobated, long since, by the clerical law.
Derivatives
vulgar-like adj.
ΚΠ
1563 J. Foxe Actes & Monuments 1050/1 A certayn seuere & graue grace, which I wished oftentymes to haue bene more popular & vulgarlike in him.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1920; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1430
adj.c1400