Popularity /(?)/

pl. Popularities

1. The quality or state of being popular; especially, the state of being esteemed by, or of being in favor with, the people at large; good will or favor proceeding from the people; as, the popularity of a law, statesman, or a book.

   A popularity which has lasted down to our time.

2. The quality or state of being adapted or pleasing to common, poor, or vulgar people; hence, cheapness; inferiority; vulgarity.

   This gallant laboring to avoid popularity falls into a habit of affectation.

3. Something which obtains, or is intended to obtain, the favor of the vulgar; claptrap.

   Popularities, and circumstances which . . . sway the ordinary judgment.

4. The act of courting the favor of the people. [Obs.]
5. Public sentiment; general passion. [R.]

   A little time be allowed for the madness of popularity to cease.