[re.pub.li.can] n (1697) 1: one that favors or supports a republican form of government
2. cap a: a member of a political party advocating republicanism b: a member of the Democratic-Republican party or of the Republican party of the U.S.
[2]republican adj (1712) 1 a: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a republic b: favoring, supporting, or advocating a republic c: belonging or appropriate to one living in or supporting a republic "~ simplicity"
2. cap a: democratic-republican b: of, relating to, or constituting the one of the two major political parties evolving in the U.S. in the mid-19th century that is usu. primarily associated with business, financial, and some agricultural interests and is held to favor a restricted governmental role in economic life