Definition of "turba" [turba]

• The chorus in medieval passion-plays, representing the Jewish populace. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "Dialogue, on the authority of Pliny, who tells us that those wretched sycophants had two nick-names; one in Greek, [Greek: Sophokleis], and the other in Latin, LAUDICÆNI; the former from _sophos_, the usual exclamation of applause, as in Martial: _Quid tam grande sophos clamat tibi turba, togata_; the Latin word importing _parasites_ who sold their praise for a supper."
• "The effect is accomplished by mixing soap and water in a special pillow case — though it's called a turba, according to Ms. Licastro — then wringing it out onto the body."
• "The function of the recitative is to relate the story or action; the aria reflects on the action or becomes a state of mind; and the chorus completes the thought, summarizes the situation, or participates in the action (the turba chorus)."