Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Ancient Rome) A magistrate elected by the plebeians to protect their interests: In ancient Rome, a tribune was an official chosen by the common people (plebeians) to defend their rights and interests against the power of the patrician class.
   • A platform or dais for public speaking; a rostrum: A tribune can refer to a raised stand or platform from which a speaker addresses an assembly.
   • The apse of a Christian church containing the bishop's throne: In ecclesiastical architecture, the tribune is the part of a church, often a raised gallery or the apse, where the bishop's ceremonial chair (cathedra) is located.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The tribune vetoed the senate's proposal, asserting the people's rights.
  • The speaker stood on the tribune to address the crowd in the forum.
  • The bishop's throne is situated in the tribune of the cathedral.

Advanced Usage

• "To mount the tribune": To take a position of public speaking or leadership.
  • The activist mounted the tribune to demand social reforms.
• "The tribune of the people": A phrase describing someone who acts as a defender or representative of popular interests.
  • He was seen as a modern tribune of the people, fighting against corporate greed.

Variants and Related Words

• Tribuneship (n): The office, rank, or term of a tribune.
  • His tribuneship was marked by significant legal reforms.
• Tribunal (n): A court of justice or a seat of judgment. (Note: This is a related but distinct word).
  • The case was brought before an international tribunal.

Synonyms

• Defender: One who protects or supports.
• Champion: One who fights for a cause or group.
• Rostrum: A platform for public speaking.
• Podium: A raised platform for a speaker or conductor.

Related Phrases

• "To play the tribune": To act as a public advocate or defender of a group.
  • In his campaign, he sought to play the tribune for the working class.

Related Idioms

• "A voice from the tribune": A statement or opinion delivered from a position of public authority or advocacy.
  • Her speech was a powerful voice from the tribune, calling for immediate action.

Noun

1. the apse of a Christian church that contains the bishop's throne
2. (ancient Rome) an official elected by the plebeians to protect their interests