ˈpäpyələ̇s, chiefly in southern U S -pəl- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, from Italian popolaccio rabble, pejorative of popolo the people (from Latin populus )
1. : the common people : the rank and file without wealth or position
“the quality” … had to rub shoulders with the general populace — W.S.Clark
2. : the total number of people or inhabitants
the populace insists that this is the most beautiful town — Phil Stong