- An officer or magistrate chosen by the people, to protect
them from the oppression of the patricians, or nobles, and to defend
their liberties against any attempts that might be made upon them by
the senate and consuls. - Anciently, a bench or elevated place, from which speeches
were delivered; in France, a kind of pulpit in the hall of the
legislative assembly, where a member stands while making an address;
any place occupied by a public orator.