Definition of "tribune" []

• An officer of ancient Rome elected by the plebeians to protect their rights from arbitrary acts of the patrician magistrates. (noun)
• A protector or champion of the people. (noun)
• A raised platform or dais from which a speaker addresses an assembly. (noun)
• The usually domed or vaulted apse of a basilica. (noun)
• See gallery. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Note that the maniple of the centurial tribune is now at eighty percent strength, hence this maniple is usually assigned to kitchen duties."
• "As the maniple whose tribune is now promoted to centuriate staff is under-represented, a pro tempore candidate is selected to be the manipular sub-tribune."
• "-- "What is it you call the tribune?" cries M. Bonaparte"