Plebs \Plebs\ (pl[e^]bz), n. [L. Cf. {Plebe}.] 1. The commonalty of ancient Rome who were citizens without the usual political rights; the plebeians; -- distinguished from the {patricians}. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
2. Hence, the common people; the populace; -- construed as a pl. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
A key image is the stream of corn that pours from above into a locker beneath the stage, and which the hero bars the plebs from taking. But Fran Thomson's designs, handsome and vivid though they be, are so historically specific that they raise problems.