WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Com"mon*er
Part of Speech : n.
Definition : 1. One of the common people; one having no rank of nobility. All below them [the peers] even their children, were commoners, and in the eye law equal to each other. Hallam.

2. A member of the House of Commons.

3. One who has a joint right in common ground. Much good land might be gained from forests . . . and from other commonable places, so as always there be a due care taken that the poor commoners have no injury. Bacon.

4. One sharing with another in anything. [Obs.] Fuller.

5. A student in the university of Oxford, Eng., who is not dependent on any foundation for support, but pays all university charges; -- at Cambrige called a pensioner.

6. A prostitute. [Obs.] Shak.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913