plebe

Plebe is a term with two related senses. Historically, it is a shortened form of plebeian, referring to a member of the common people in ancient Rome. In contemporary usage, it designates a newcomer or first-year member in certain institutions, especially military academies and some colleges.

Etymology and historical context: The Latin term plebeius pertained to the plebs, the nonpatrician class that included farmers, artisans, and laborers. In the Roman Republic, plebeians fought for political and legal equality with patricians in a long series of conflicts known as the Conflict of the Orders. Over time they gained access to political offices, the right to hold tribunate, and the protections of the Twelve Tables, though social distinctions persisted.

Modern institutional use: In the United States and other countries, plebe denotes a first-year cadet or midshipman at military academies or certain service programs. Plebes undergo an acclimation and training period, learning basic discipline, drill, and the routines of the institution. The term is generally descriptive and neutral, though it may carry connotations of challenge or tradition specific to a given school. Practices and the exact meaning of plebe status vary by academy, with some emphasizing transition to more advanced duties in subsequent years.

Beyond the military context, plebe can appear in discussions of Roman history to distinguish the common people from patricians, as a shorthand in academic writing or popular history. The term is less common in everyday modern usage outside of these contexts.