tribune
tribune Lexical Profile
tribune Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An official in ancient Rome chosen by the plebeians to protect their interests against the patricians, or a senior military officer commanding a legion.
"The newly elected tribune exercised his veto power to block the senate's proposed tax hike on small farmers."
A person who upholds or defends the rights and liberties of the common people; a popular leader or champion.
"Through her tireless advocacy for affordable housing, she became a respected tribune of the working class."
A raised platform, dais, or rostrum from which speeches are delivered, or a bishop's throne in the apse of a basilica.
"The speaker stepped up to the tribune to address the crowded assembly hall."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old French tribun or directly from Latin tribunus ('chief of a tribe, magistrate'), derived from tribus ('tribe'). Because Roman tribunes of the plebs were tasked with defending common citizens' rights, the title was later widely adopted by newspapers and champions of popular causes.