from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Public \Pub"lic\, n.
1. The general body of mankind, or of a nation, state, or
community; the people, indefinitely; as, the American
public; also, a particular body or aggregation of people;
as, an author's public.
[1913 Webster]
The public is more disposed to censure than to
praise. --Addison.
[1913 Webster]
2. A public house; an inn. [Scot.] --Sir W. Scott.
[1913 Webster]
{In public}, openly; before an audience or the people at
large; not in private or secrecy. "We are to speak in
public." --Shak.
[1913 Webster]