I. rə̇ˈpəblə̇kən, rēˈp-, -lēk- adjective
Etymology: modification (influenced by English -an, adjective suffix) of French républicain, from Middle French republicain, from republique
1.
a. : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a republic : having the form or based on the principles of a republic
the United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a republican form of government — U.S. Constitution
the success of republican institutions in So. American countries — John Dewey
b. : favoring, supporting, or advocating a republic
so little republican and so much aristocratic sentiment — Philip Marsh
a republican party
c. : held to belong to or be appropriate for one living in or supporting a republic
our republican and artistic simplicity — Nathaniel Hawthorne
a republican indifference to the majesty of office — H.S.G.Saunders
2. usually capitalized
a. : of, relating to, or constituting the Democratic-Republican party
b. : of, relating to, or constituting one of the two major political parties in the United States evolving in the mid-19th century from the Whigs, Free-Soilers, and Democrats primarily for the purpose of opposing the extension of slavery and becoming usually associated with business, financial, and some agricultural interests and with favoring a restricted governmental role in social and economic life — compare democratic 2, liberal republican , national republican
3. : living, nesting, or breeding in large flocks or communities
II. noun
( -s )
1. : one that favors or supports a republican form of government
2. usually capitalized
a. : a member of a political party advocating republicanism
b. : a member of the Democratic-Republican party
c. : a member of the Republican party of the United States