Lexic.us

Definition of Hoi polloi

1. Noun. The common people generally. "Power to the people"

Definition of Hoi polloi

1. Noun. The common people; the masses. (Used with or without the definite article.) ¹

2. Noun. (nonstandard disputed) The elite (hoi oligoi). ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Hoi Polloi

Literary usage of Hoi polloi

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage by Inc. Merriam-Webster (1994)
"In idiomatic English, it is no more redundant to say “the hoi polloi” than it is ... 1974 the hoi polloi ... can actually walk in off the street —Mordecai ..."

2. King's Complete History of the World War ...: 1914-1918. Europe's War with by William C. King (1922)
"... chiefly because its members had not been disarmed as were the hoi polloi, that the Prussian Minister of the Interior, ..."

3. Longmans' School Composition by David Salmon (1890)
"(3) The hoi polloi lined the tow-path. Hoi (01) is the Masculine Plural of the Greek Article; ... The hoi polloi,' therefore, means ' The the many. ..."

4. The Writer's Desk Book: Being a Reference Volume Upon Questions of by William Dana Orcutt (1912)
"... It is him [he]; Let He [Him] who made thee answer that; A style that belongs to no other than he [him] hoi polloi, should not be written the hoi polloi. ..."

5. Longman's Junior School Composition by David Salmon (1890)
"(3) The hoi polloi lined the tow-path. Hoi (oJ) is the Masculine Plural of the Greek Article; ... The hoi polloi,' therefore, means ' The the many. ..."

6. Reminiscences of Charles Durand of Toronto, Barrister by Charles Durand (1897)
"What are the " hoi polloi ? " They are innately corrupt if left alone. Observe the United States recently running after a western demagogue, and the success ..."

Other Resources: