( used with a sing. or pl. v. )
1. the common or ordinary people, esp. as contrasted with the leadership or elite of a political party, social organization, etc.; the rank and file.
2. the agricultural and rural areas of a country.
3. the people inhabiting these areas, esp. as a political, social, or economic group.
4. the origin or basis of something; the basic or primary concept, rule, part, or the like.
[ 1910-15 Amer. for def. 1 ]