1. n.1 a popular leader or demagogue.
2 (in full tribune of the people) an official in ancient Rome chosen by the people to protect their interests.
3 (in full military tribune) a Roman legionary officer.
Derivatives:
tribunate n. tribuneship n.
Etymology: ME f. L tribunus, prob. f. tribus tribe 2. n.1 a a bishop's throne in a basilica. b an apse containing this.
2 a dais or rostrum.
3 a raised area with seats.
Etymology: F f. It. f. med.L tribuna TRIBUNAL