noun
tribune
TRIB-yoon/ˈtrɪbjuːn/
A Roman official defending common citizens.
In ancient Rome, a tribune defends common citizens against abuses of power.
Etymology
A Roman tribunus could be an officer charged with protecting plebeians against patricians. That protective role gave tribune its broader meaning of a representative or defender of ordinary people.
In context
If a magistrate or even the Senate proposed something unfair, the tribune could step in and stop it. This veto was a clear way to protect the interests of the common people.
More examples
- The plebeians elected tribunes to protect their rights.
- A tribune could veto an official's action to protect a citizen.
- The novel follows a young tribune who challenges Rome's powerful families.
Forms
tribune · tribunes
Similar words
- representative
- Speaks or acts for others without necessarily holding Roman office.
- advocate
- Defends people's interests but need not hold an official position.