A "Plebeian" refers to a commoner in ancient Rome, distinguishing them from the elite class known as the Patricians. Plebeians made up the majority of the population and included farmers, laborers, and artisans. They had limited political power initially but gradually gained more rights through social struggles. Over time, the Conflict of the Orders led to significant reforms, allowing Plebeians to elect their own representatives, called Tribunes. These changes helped balance power between the classes and contributed to the development of the Roman Republic, where both Plebeians and Patricians played essential roles in governance.