2. A state in which the sovereign power resides in the whole body of
the people, and is exercised by representatives elected by them; a
commonwealth. Cf. Democracy, 2.
In some ancient states called republics the sovereign power was
exercised by an hereditary aristocracy or a privileged few,
constituting a government now distinctively called an aristocracy. In
some there was a division of authority between an aristocracy and the
whole body of the people except slaves. No existing republic recognizes
an exclusive privilege of any class to govern, or tolerates the
institution of slavery.
Republic of letters, The collective body of literary or learned men.
Re*pub"lic*an (-l?-kan), a. [F. républicain.] 1. Of or pertaining to a
republic.
The Roman emperors were republican magistrates named by the senate.
Macaulay.
2. Consonant with the principles of a republic; as, republican
sentiments or opinions; republican manners.
Republican party. (U.S. Politics) (a) An earlier name of the Democratic
party when it was opposed to the Federal party. Thomas Jefferson was
its great leader. (b) One of the existing great parties. It was
organized in 1856 by a combination of voters from other parties for the
purpose of opposing the extension of slavery, and in 1860 it elected
Abraham Lincoln president.
<! p. 1223 !>
Re*pub"lic*an (r?-p?b"l?-kan), n. 1. One who favors or prefers a
republican form of government.