republican

a. [ F. républicain. ] 1. Of or pertaining to a republic. [ 1913 Webster ]

The Roman emperors were republican magistrates named by the senate. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Consonant with the principles of a republic; as, republican sentiments or opinions; republican manners. [ 1913 Webster ]

Republican party. (U.S. Politics) (a) An earlier name of the Democratic party when it was opposed to the Federal party. Thomas Jefferson was its great leader. (b) One of the existing great parties. It was organized in 1856 by a combination of voters from other parties for the purpose of opposing the extension of slavery, and in 1860 it elected Abraham Lincoln president. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who favors or prefers a republican form of government. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (U.S.Politics) A member of the Republican party. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Zool.) (a) The American cliff swallow. The cliff swallows build their nests side by side, many together. (b) A South African weaver bird (Philetaerus socius). These weaver birds build many nests together, under a large rooflike shelter, which they make of straw. [ 1913 Webster ]

Red republican. See under Red. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. républicanisme. ] 1. A republican form or system of government; the principles or theory of republican government. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Attachment to, or political sympathy for, a republican form of government. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The principles and policy of the Republican party, so called [ U.S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]