noun
also pleb·e·scite ˈplebəˌsīt also -_sə̇t sometimes ˈplēbəˌsīt or ˈplebəˌsēt; usu -d.+V
( -s )
Etymology: in sense 1, from Latin plebis scitum, plebiscitum, from plebis (gen. of plebs common people) + scitum decree, from neuter of scitus, past participle of sciscere to try to find out, approve, decree, incho. of scire to know; in other senses, from French plébiscite, from Latin plebiscitum — more at plebeian , science
1. : plebiscitum 1
2. : a vote or decree of the people usually by universal suffrage on some measure submitted to them by some person or body having the initiative — compare referendum
3.
a. : a vote of the people usually by universal adult suffrage of some specified district or region on the question put before them by a treaty of peace or by an international body as to choice of sovereignty
b. : the political machinery for expressing self-determination