Also 4–6 vulgare, 6 Sc. vlgare, wlgair -ar; vulguar, wulguar, voulger, 7 vulger. [ad. L. vulgār-is, f. vulg-us the common people. Cf. OF. and F. vulgaire, Sp. and Pg. vulgar, It. volgare.]
I. 1. Employed in common or ordinary reckoning of time, distance, etc.; esp., in later use, vulgar era, the ordinary Christian era.
c. 1391. Chaucer, Astrol., II. § 9. The day vulgare, that is to seyen, from spring of the day vn-to verrey nyht. Ibid. The same manere maistow worke to knowe the quantite of the vulgar nyht.
1617. Moryson, Itin., 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. Stanley, Hist. Philos., I. (1687), 2/2. They … confound … the true Epocha of the Olympiads with the vulgar.
1662. Stillingfl., Orig. Sacræ, I. iii. § 1. The vulgar account of years from the beginning of the world.
1716. Prideaux, Connect. O. & N. T., I. I. 1. The vulgar era, by which we now compute the years from his incarnation.
a. 1727. Newton, Chronol. Amended, i. (1728), 80. Seven hundred forty and seven years before the Vulgar Æra of Christ.
1788. Priestley, Lect. Hist., III. xiv. 117. The vulgar Christian Aera answers the same purpose as effectually.
1839. Yeowell, Anc. Brit. Ch. (1847), App. I. 169. The fifty-seventh year of the vulgar computation.
1882. Nature, XXVI. 345. Owing to constant migrations … throughout the fourth and fifth centuries of the vulgar era.
b. Vulgar fraction: see FRACTION sb. 5 a.
1674. Jeake, Arith. (1696), 279. Simple Cossical Fractions … are expressed like Vulgar Fractions.
1706. Phillips (ed. Kersey), Vulgar Fractions, the ordinary Sort of Fractions, distinguished from Decimal Fractions.
1728. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. 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. Hutton, Course Math. (1806), I. 51. Of Vulgar Fractions.
1826. 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. 6), 83. A Vulgar Fraction may be converted into a Decimal Fraction.
† c. Vulgar arithmetic, ordinary arithmetic as opposed to decimal. Obs. rare.
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.
c. 1728. De Foe, Compl. Eng. Gent. (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. In common or general use; common, customary or ordinary, as a matter of use or practice.
c. 1430. Lydg., Min. 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. Huloet, Vulgar, or much vsed, uulgatus.
1594. Blundevil, Exerc., I. xxvii. (1597), 33 b. As minutes, seconds, thirds, fourthes,… marked with streekes and vulgare numbers.
1597. Hooker, Eccl. Pol., V. lxv. § 11. Wee neither omit it … nor altogether make it so vulgar as the custome heretofore hath bene.
1610. Guillim, Heraldry, 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. Locke, 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, Anc. Inhab. N. Brit., I. 18. So the vulgar version of Ziphilin’s abridgment of Dio hath it.
1795. Burke, Th. Scarcity, Wks. 1842, II. 252. Compelling us to diminish the quantity of labour which in the vulgar course we actually employ.
1826. Disraeli, Viv. Grey, IV. ii. We talk … as often about our enemies, at least those who have any; which, in my opinion, is the vulgarest of all possessions.
† b. Used to designate the Vulgate version of the Bible. Obs. (Cf. VULGAR sb. 5.)
1535. Joye, Apol. Tindale (Arb.), 46. 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. Coverdale, New T. (title-p.), After the vulgare text communely called S. Jeroms.
1583. Fulke, Def. Tr. Script., xvii. 447. That S. Hieronyme was author of the vulgar Latine interpretation, of the olde Testament.
1652. Needham, trans. Selden’s Mare Cl., 31. So they are expressed in the vulgar Edition, out of the Hebrew Original, which is lost.
1674. Owen, Holy Spirit, I. iv. § 6. 71. The Vulgar Latine in this Place renders the Word by Ornatus corum. Ibid. (1677), Justif., iv. 185. All which things prefer the Complutensian, Syriack, and Arabick, before the vulgar reading of this place.
1691. trans. Emilianne’s Frauds Rom. 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. Of language or speech: Commonly or customarily used by the people of a country; ordinary, vernacular.
In common use c. 1525–1650; now arch.
a. 1513. Fabyan, Chron., I. xvii. 16. Whiche felde or Countre where ye sayd Morgan faughte … is to this daye called Glanmorgan, whiche is to meane in our vulgare tunge, Morgan hys lande.
1530. Palsgr., 17. Suche as writte farcis & contrefait the vulgare speche.
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., IV. xix. 133 b. They celebrate their office … in the Armenian tongue,… [and] the standers by … answere them in the same vulgare language.
c. 1610. E. Bolton, Hypercritica, 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, Astrol. Restored, 84. To treat … of this noble Art … in a plain manner, and our vulgar tongue.
1709. Steele, Tatler, No. 141, ¶ 11. To be instructed in their Duties in the known or vulgar Tongue.
1707. J. Chamberlayne, St. Gt. Brit., I. III. vii. (1710), 204. There were … more good, and more bad Books printed and published in the English Tongue, than in all the vulgar Languages in Europe.
1855. Milman, Lat. Chr., IX. viii. IV. 185. They read the Gospels, they preached, and they prayed, in the vulgar tongue.
1873. 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.
1483. Caxton, Knt. de la Tour, Prol. To translate & reduce this said book out of frenssh into our vulgar Englissh.
1613. 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, trans. Thevenot’s Trav., 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. Bentley, Phal., 404. Which we are sure … continued to be pure and Vulgar Syriac for 2000 Years.
1717. Lady M. W. Montagu, Lett. to Pope, 1 April. The vulgar Turk is very different from what is spoken at court.
1766. Compl. Farmer, s.v. Surveying, 7 E 2/2. This in vulgar English may be called a corner.
1818. Hallam, Mid. Ages, ix. (1868), 591. We cannot … ascertain in what degree the vulgar Latin differed from that of Cicero or Seneca.
a. 1873. Deutsch, Lit. Rem. (1874), 358. The Samaritan Dialect, a mixture of vulgar Hebrew and Aramean.
† c. In predicative use; also const. to. Obs.
1565. Jewel, Reply Harding (1611), 383. Hebrew, Greek, and Latine,… as they were once natiue, and vulgar to those three peoples, so now to none be they natiue, and vulgar.
1612. Brerewood, Lang. & Relig., 2. The Greek tongue … although it belonged originally to Hellas alone, yet in time it became vulgar to these also.
1668. Wilkins, 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. Learn., ii. 13. The Greek Tongue had the same Fortune with the Latine, tho it continu’d vulgar longer.
1712. Swift, Let. Eng. Tongue, Wks. 1755, II. I. 183. 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. Obs.
1513. Douglas, Æneid, I. Prol. 498. Thair may be na compair Betwixt his versis and my style wlgair. Ibid., Ane Exclamatioun, 37. Go, wlgar Virgill, to euery churlich wycht Say, I avow thou art translatit rycht.
1556. Recorde, Cast. Knowl., Contents. With sundry … newe demonstrations not Written before in any vulgare woorkes.
1599. G. Sandys, Europæ Spec. (1632), 115. They have called all vulgar Bibles streightly in againe.
1617. Moryson, Itin., III. 30. I had some skill in that Language, especially for vulgar speeches.
1662. J. Davies, trans. Olearius’ Voy. Ambass., 79. Never learning anything but reading and writing, and certain vulgar prayers.
b. Of words or names: Employed in ordinary speech; common, familiar.
1676. Hobbes, Iliad, Pref. (1686), 1. Forein words, till by long use they become vulgar, are un[in]telligible to them.
1776. Sir D. Dalrymple, Ann. Scot., I. 3, note. I suspect that Lulach was rather his vulgar sirname, than his name.
1785. Martyn, Lett. Bot., Introd. (1794), 2. These plants had a different vulgar name in every province.
1800. 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.
1553. Wilson, Rhet., 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, Will, in W. D. Macray, Ann. Bodl. Libr. (1890), 410. I do therefore make request, yt all my words … be construed directly and in vulgar sense.
1634. Documents agst. Prynne (Camden), 48. My expressions too (at least in my intention, opinion, and vulgar acceptacion), are innocent and sincere.
1696. Whiston, The. Earth, II. (1722), 161. By a Month, in the vulgar way of speaking, is meant 30 Days.
1727. De Foe, Syst. Magic, I. i. (1840), 25. The people called magicians, in the present vulgar acceptation of the word.
1754. Edwards, Freed. Will, I. iii. (1762), 14. The word Necessity, in its vulgar and common Use, is relative.
1798. Bay, Amer. Law Rep. (1809), I. 85. The vulgar meaning of the words dying without issue.
1862. Burton, Bk. Hunter (1863), 5. The vulgar everyday-world way of putting the idea.
1878. Stewart & Tait, Unseen Univ., 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.
1549. Compl. Scot., Epist. 7. Fra this exempil cummis and vlgare adagia.
1591. Savile, Tacitus, Hist., II. lxxviii. 99. Neither was there any thing more vulgare in euery mans mouth.
1607. T. Rogers, 39 Art., Pref. § 26. Bookes, and open speeches … made vulgar within a yeare, and little more after his happy ingresse into this kingdome.
1653. W. Ramesey, Astrol. Restored, To Rdr. 6. But I shall answer in that vulgar and rustical Proverb, it is a good Horse that never stumbles.
1693. Dryden, Persius’ Sat., i. 244, note. The Story is vulgar, that Midas King of Phrygia, was made judge betwixt Apollo and Pan, who was the best Musician.
1830. Sir W. Hamilton, Discuss. (1852), 72. One vulgar passage from the writings of that philosopher.
1892. Daily News, 19 Dec., 5/4. It set the seal, however, on his [Sir Richard Owen’s] vulgar, as distinct from his professional, fame.
b. Of discourse, rumor, etc.
1590. Shaks., Com. Err., III. i. 100. If by strong hand you offer to breake in,… A vulgar comment will be made of it.
1595. 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.
c. 1600. Shaks., Sonn., cxii. Your loue and pittie doth th’ impression fill, Which vulgar scandall stampt vpon my brow.
1617. Moryson, Itin., II. 20. Of late (according to vulgar speech) he had displeased the Earle of Essex.
1691. Wood, Ath. Oxon., I. 323. The then vulgar talk was, the Devil came to take away Oliv. Cromwell, who then lay on his death-bed.
1818. Shelley, Julian, 362. Believe that I am ever still the same,… Nor dream that I will join the vulgar cry.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., xix. IV. 302. They did not join in the vulgar cry against the Dutch.
c. Of knowledge, opinions, notions, etc.
a. 1548. Hall, Chron., Edw. IV., 210 b. Notwithstandyng the vulgare opinion … the wisedome of this world is folishenes before God.
1605. Verstegan, Dec. Intell., vii. (1628), 199. To giue the reader some knowledge more then is vulger.
c. 1610. Sir J. Melvil, Mem. (1683), 125. He was become careless, following in many things the vulgar opinion.
1655. Culpepper, etc., Riverius, XI. iv. 33. That vulgar difficulty which is controverted by almost all Writers.
1701. Swift, Contests Nobles & Comm., v. This is a truth of vulgar knowledge and observation.
1794. Hutton, Philos. Light, etc., 127. According to the vulgar notions of things, cold is considered as absolutely subsisting in bodies, in the same manner as heat.
1832. Palmerston, Opin. & Pol. (1852), 219. Taking the merest and vulgarest view of the matter.
1854. Milman, Lat. Chr., IV. i. II. 10. Mohammedanism … a stern negation … of the vulgar polytheism which prevailed among the ruder Arab tribes.
1865. M. Arnold, Ess. Crit., Spinoza (1875), 375. This mode of interpreting Scripture is fatal to the vulgar notion of its verbal inspiration.
d. Of errors, prejudices, etc.
1630. R. Johnson’s Kingd. & Commw., 546. This is but a vulgar errour.
1670. W. Perwich, Desp. (Camden), 91. A vulgar mistake of the death of the Duke of Lorraine instead of that of the Great Duke of Florence.
1691. T. H[ale], Acc. New Invent., p. xxiii. The idle conceit of the Fish Remora, which mens sottishness hath made a vulgar one, namely that it can stop the motion of a Ship under sail.
1785. Reid, Intell. Powers, I. i. 221. May natural judgement not be a vulgar error?
1798. Ferriar, Illustr. Sterne, vi. 165. Mr. Shandy has passed a similar condemnation on some English names, to which vulgar prejudices are attached.
1845. Ford, Handbk. Spain, I. 5. One of the old vulgar superstitions in Spain.
1856. Kane, Arct. Expl., I. xxix. 392. I satisfied myself that it was a vulgar prejudice to regard the liver of the bear as poisonous.
1879. McCarthy, Own Times, I. v. 104. One of the vulgarest fallacies of statecraft.
† 7. Of common occurrence; not rare. Obs.
1607. Topsell, Four-f. Beasts, 111. Other things I omit concerning this beast [the cony], because as it is vulgar, the benefits thereof are commonly known.
1657. S. Purchas, Pol. Flying-Ins., 7. The Chameleon, a vile (and in many Countries a Vulgar) Creature.
8. Of or pertaining to the common people.
1597. Shaks., 2 Hen. IV., I. iii. 90. An habitation giddy and vnsure Hath he that buildeth on the vulgar heart.
1605. 1st Pt. Jeronimo, 436. I will buze Andreas landing, Which, once but crept into the vulger mouthes, Is hurryed heer and there, and sworne for troth.
1622. Peacham, Compl. Gent., i. 13. Those [apples] of Hesperides, golden, and out of the vulgar reach.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., I. v. 17. Though a weaknesse of the Intellect, and most discoverable in vulgar heads, yet hath it sometime fallen upon wiser braines.
1697. Dryden, Æneid, XII. 5. The more he was with vulgar hate oppressed, The more his fury boiled within his breast.
1783. W. Thomson, Watson’s Philip III., VI. (1793), II. 152. A veil of pomp … concealed from the vulgar eye the symptoms of its decay.
1796. Bp. Watson, Apol. Bible, 209. You have merely busied yourself in exposing to vulgar contempt a few unsightly shrubs.
1810. Scott, Lady of L., III. xxvi. Grey Superstition’s whisper dread Debarr’d the spot to vulgar tread. Ibid., V. xxx. With like acclaim, the vulgar throat Strain’d for King James their morning note.
1855. Poultry Chron., II. 561/1. He was in a coop protected from the vulgar gaze, by a covering of green baize.
1870. Jevons, Elem. Logic, xxvii. 237. All observations … negative the idea that there can be any such influence as the vulgar mind attributes to the moon.
II. 9. Of persons: Belonging to the ordinary or common class in the community; not distinguished or marked off from this in any way; plebeian: a. With collective terms, as people, sort.
1530. Palsgr., 369. Septante, octante, and nonante, be never used of the voulger people.
1551. T. Wilson, Logike, A 3 b. Diuerse learned men … haue with most earnest trauaile made euery of them familiar to their vulgare people.
1576. Fleming, Panopl. Epist., 193. To circumuent the common people, he spared no coloured pretence to allure the vulgar sort.
1609. Bible (Douay), Jer. xxvi. 23. He cast forth his carcasse in the sepulchers of the base vulgar people.
1632. Lithgow, Trav., I. 26. They of the vulgar kind are both ignorant, sluttish and greedy.
1649. Milton, Eikon., 13. The last Will of Cæsar being read to the people, and what Legacies he had bequeath’d them, wrought much in that Vulgar audience to the avenging of his death.
1705. Stanhope, Paraphr., I. 34. Instead of numerous Guards, and triumphal Chariots, and costly Preparations, we find only the Attendance of a Vulgar and despised Crowd.
1718. Prior, Solomon, I. 681. One [elder], in whom an outward Mien appear’d, And Turn superior to the vulgar Herd.
1820. Hazlitt, Lect. Dram. Lit., 12. He [Shakspeare] was not something sacred and aloof from the vulgar herd of men.
1821. Byron, Sardanap., V. i. ’Tis easy to astonish or appal The vulgar mass which moulds a horde of slaves.
b. With individual designations (in sing. or pl.).
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., IV. ix. 121. The vulgare Arabians doe cal it Rabach.
1593. Shaks., 2 Hen. VI., IV. i. 127. Rather let my head Stoope to the blocke,… Than stand vncouer’d to the Vulgar Groom.
1634. Sir T. Herbert, Trav., 188. If any vulgar fellow meet them, they presently shake and vibrate their swords vpon their Shields, crying aloud Nayroe.
a. 1699. J. Beaumont, Psyche, XXI. 11. Thou seest with what exact Obedience all My vulgar Subjects on their shoulders take My heavyest yokes.
1709. Strype, Ann. Ref., I. xxxix. 406. This letter … may deserve an English translation of it, for the sake of vulgar readers.
1765. H. Walpole, Otranto, i. Some of the vulgar spectators had run to the great church which stood near the castle and came back open-mouthed.
1779. Johnson, L. P., Milton, Wks. II. 168. The vulgar inhabitants of Pandæmonium, being incorporeal spirits, are at large … in a limited space.
1798. S. & Ht. Lee, Canterb. T., II. 300. Credulity is … the characteristic of the vulgar Italians.
1813. Shelley, Q. Mab, V. 140. How many a vulgar Cato has compelled His energies … To mould a pin, or fabricate a nail!
transf. 1667. Milton, P. L., III. 577. Where the great Luminarie Alooff the vulgar Constellations thick … Dispenses Light from farr.
† c. Holding an ordinary place in a certain class; esp. of soldiers. Obs.
1607–12. Bacon, Ess., Marr. & Single Life (Arb.), 268. Despising of Marriage amongest the Turkes, maketh the vulgar Souldiour more base.
1651. Howell, Venice, 129. The greatest prisoners were Achmet and Mahomet … with thirty thousand vulgar soldiers.
1794. Chalmers, Ruddiman, 90. The magistrates [in 1660] steadily prohibited the vulgar schoolmasters from teaching Latin.
† d. The vulgar world, the world at large. Obs.
1632. Lithgow, 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.
1555. Eden, Decades (Arb.), 70. Hauinge .xii. other of their vulgare cotages placed abowte the same. Ibid. (Arb.), 159. Of this is made the more vulgar or common breade.
1602. Shaks., Ham., I. ii. 99. For, what we know must be, and is as common As any the most vulgar thing to sence, Why should we … Take it to heart?
1617. Moryson, Itin., III. 63. Copper mettall, adorned with vulgar precious stones.
1656. Beale, Heref. Orchards (1657), 16. That the setlings might gather root as well in that vulgar ground, as also in the finer mould.
1694. Salmon, Bate’s Dispens. (1713), 42/2. First comes the Flegm, then the volatile Spirit; lastly, the Oil, or vulgar Spirit.
1744. Berkeley, Siris, § 10. This vulgar tar, which cheapness and plenty may have rendered contemptible, appears to be an excellent balsam.
1776. Med. Observ. & Inq. (1784), 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.
† b. Of plants, animals, etc. Obs.
c. 1586. C’tess Pembroke, Ps. (1823), CIV. vi. The vulgar grasse, whereof the beast is faine, The rarer herb man for him self hath chose.
1607. Topsell, Four-f. Beasts, 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. Holland, Camden’s Brit. (1637), 543. I mean not those vulgar birds which in other places are highly esteemed.
1665–76. Rea, Flora (ed. 3), 17. The other sorts … you will find … among Greens more vulgar.
a. 1682. Sir T. Browne, Tracts (1684), 62. Bellonius … observed not the vulgar Oak in those parts.
1782–3. W. F. Martyn, Geog. Mag., 704. Those of an inferior rank make use of the foliage of some more vulgar tree.
1803. G. Ellis, Lett. 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.
1559. Knox, First Blast, App. (Arb.), 60. Neyther yit wold I that ye should esteam that mercy to be vulgar and commone which ye haue receaued.
1561. Eden, Arte Nauig., Pref. I thynke that he was a man of no vulgare iudgement.
1596. Edward III., II. i. 314. These are the vulgar tenders of false men, That neuer pay the duetie of their words.
1602. Ld. Cromwell, III. iii. 9. Thou art a man differing from vulgar forme.
1622. Bacon, Hen. VII., 144. Many Lawes were made, of a more private and vulgar nature then ought to detaine the Reader of an Historie.
1649. F. Roberts, Clavis Bibl., 512. Here are not vulgar but extraordinary Histories.
1716. Gay, Trivia, II. 302. Yet let me not descend to trivial song, Nor vulgar Circumstance my verse prolong.
1754. Gray, Progr. Poesy, 122. Yet shall he mount, and keep his distant way Beyond the limits of a vulgar fate.
1795. Burke, Th. Scarcity, Wks. 1842, II. 248. Philosophical happiness is to want little. Civil or vulgar happiness is to want much, and to enjoy much.
1848. W. K. Kelly, trans. L. Blanc’s Hist. Ten Y., I. 366. That is assuredly a very vulgar policy, and one within the scope of the most ordinary capacities.
1867. Maurice, Patriarchs & Lawg., v. (1877), 104. A history which exhibits God as an actual personal Being, without whom the vulgarest affairs of men are unintelligible and anomalous.
† d. Of persons. Obs.
1570. Dee, Math. Pref., *ij. Vulgar Practisers haue Numbers, otherwise, in sundry Considerations.
1609. Bible (Douay), 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. Power, Exp. 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. Dryden, Virg. Georg., IV. 653. No vulgar god Pursues thy crimes, nor with a common rod.
1729. T. Innes, Anc. Inhab. N. Brit., I. Pref. p. vi.–vii. These considerations, I acknowledge, made me at first resolve to suppress, at least during my own time, this essay, and leave to others the invidious task of reforming our vulgar historians.
1752. Hume, Pol. Disc., x. 224. The most vulgar slave cou’d yield by his labour an obolus a day, over and above his maintenance.
1794. Burke, Lett. to Dk. Portland (1844), IV. 235. It will not do for you to be vulgar, commonplace ministers.
11. Of an ordinary unartificial type; not refined or advanced beyond the common.
1580. G. Harvey, Lett. to Spenser, S.’s Wks. (1912), 631/2. It is the vulgare and naturall Mother Prosodye, that alone worketh the feate.
1638. Rawley, trans. Bacon’s Life & Death (1651), 1. Omit for the present, all Astrological Observations…: Onely insist upon the vulgar and manifest Observations; as whether they were born by Night or by Day.
1671. J. Webster, Metallogr., i. 1. As also the whole Band of the Chymists, both mystical and vulgar, do sufficiently testifie.
1725. Watts, Logic, 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.
1748. 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.
† b. Adapted to ordinary minds or comprehensions. Obs.
1643. Sir T. Browne, Relig. Med., I. § 45. Unspeakable mysteries in the Scriptures are often delivered in a vulgar and illustrative way.
1651. Hobbes, Govt. & Soc., Ep. Ded. If it be sound, if it be useful, if it be vulgar; I humbly offer it to your Lordship.
a. 1652. J. Smith, Sel. Disc., vi. 183. Speaking to the weakest sort of men in the most vulgar sort of dialect.
† 12. Common in respect of use or association. Obs. rare.
1595. Shaks., John, II. 387. I’de play incessantly vpon these Iades, Euen till vnfenced desolation Leaue them as naked as the vulgar ayre. Ibid. (1602), Ham., I. iii. 61. Be thou familiar; but by no meanes vulgar.
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.
1643. J. M., Sov. Salve, 13. Are not such instances [of time-serving] as vulgar as the spirits that furnish us with them?
1647. Clarendon, Hist. Reb., II. § 86. To Intangle all those … who were transported with those vulgar and vile Considerations.
1699. Pomfret, Past. Ess., 134. Nay, all affronts so unconcerned she bore,… As if she thought it vulgar to resent.
1797. Jane Austen, Sense & Sens., xxi. The vulgar freedom and folly of the eldest left her no recommendation.
1797. Monthly Mag., III. 201. So, the word vulgar now implies something base and groveling in actions.
1846. Mrs. A. Marsh, Father Darcy, II. i. 17. There is something very coarse and vulgar in their countenances. Ibid., II. iv. 90. His features were vulgar, his lips thick and coarse.
1853. Maurice, Proph. & Kings, i. 7. This would be a low, paltry, vulgar way of accounting for his acts.
1875. Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), V. 315. The vulgar sort of trade which is carried on by lending money.
b. Of persons.
1678. Marvell, Growth Popery, 40. The mean malice of the same Vulgar Scribler, hired by the Conspirators at so much a sheet.
1778. Miss Burney, Evelina, xvii. Miss will think us very vulgar … to live in London and never have been to an Opera.
1809. Malkin, Gil Blas, III. iv. ¶ 7. I see the vulgar dog in an almshouse.
1835. Willis, Pencillings, I. ii. 18. A vulgar Marseilles shopkeeper.
1865. Ruskin, Sesame, i. § 28. 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.
1764. Goldsm., Trav., 225. In wild excess the vulgar breast takes fire, Till, buried in debauch, tha bliss expire.
1766. [C. Anstey], Bath Guide, iii. 4. A Grace, an Air, a Taste refin’d, To vulgar Souls unknown.
1809–10. 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. Kinglake, Eöthen, v. In all baseness and imposture there is a coarse, vulgar spirit.
1882. Bain, Jas. Mill, vi. 288. Executions and death-scenes are great things for vulgar minds.
d. Of language, etc.
1716. Gay, Trivia, I. 187. Let not such vulgar tales debase thy mind.
1813. Salem (Mass.) Gaz., 12 March, 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., Joubert, 224. Saugrenu is a rather vulgar French word, but, like many other vulgar words, very expressive.
1891. Farrar, Darkn. & Dawn, x. They said … that—you—were—dare I speak the vulgar word?—a Christian.
e. Of material things.
1812. H. & J. Smith, Rej. Addr., xii. 75. I’ve heard our front that faces Drury Lane Much criticised; they say ’tis vulgar brick work.
1817. Chalmers, Astron. Disc., ii. (1852), 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.
14. Comb., as vulgar-like, -looking, -reasoning, -sounding; vulgar-minded, -souled, -spirited, -viewed adjs.; vulgar-wise adv.; also quasi-adv. in † vulgar plain.
1563. Foxe, A. & M., 1050/1. A certayn seuere & graue grace, which I wished oftentymes to haue bene more popular & *uulgarlike in him.
1815. Scott, Guy M., xxxix. What that *vulgar-looking fellow said after the funeral.
1816. Remarks Eng. Mann., 37. Not discriminating between real gentlemen who require no such hint, and *vulgar-minded men who do.
1846. Hare, Mission Comf. (1850), 398. The vulgarminded in all ages have been incapable of conceiving that a man can be actuated by any but personal feelings.
1869. Geo. Eliot, in Cross, Life, III. 100. The most vulgar-minded genius that ever produced a great effect in literature.
1554–9. Songs & Ball. Phil. & Mary (Roxb.), 6. Good maners unto all degrese Ys mete for to be *vulgar playne.
1654. R. Whitlock, Ζωοτομια, 321. I am none of those *vulgar-Reasoning Despisers of that Sex.
1835. [T. J. F. Kelly], Henry IV. of Germany, V. ii. 77.
| But so unwise, | |
| Unripe in reason, tame and *vulgar-souled, | |
| As fall to moan his process, who would be? |
1797. Anna Seward, Lett. (1811), IV. 302. His *vulgar-sounding word, beleaguered, once used in the Paradise Lost, offends us continually in this new epic.
1628. Earle, Microcosm. (Arb.), 70. A *vulgar-spirited Man Is one of the heard of the World.
1647. Clarendon, Hist. Reb., VI. § 134. The passions, and affections of the Vulgar-spirited.
1852. Meanderings of Mem., I. 149. She was not *vulgar-viewed, her thinkings took The selfsame tenor.
1828. P. Cunningham, N. S. Wales (ed. 3), II. 21. One bird roasting aristocratically upon a wooden spit, and the other, broiling *vulgar-wise, upon the embers.
