public (subs.) Copy link • public (subs.): often expr. by hŏmĭnes (v. people): if the lower orders be meant, vulgus, multitudo (v. multitude): on behalf of the p., publice, opp. privatim, Caes. B. G. 5, 55: to be maintained by the p. (at the p. expense), publice ali, Nep. Arist. 3.