The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Popularity \Pop`u*lar"i*ty\, n.; pl. Popularities. [L.
   popularitas an effort to please the people: cf. F.
   popularit['e].]
   1. The quality or state of being popular; especially, the
      state of being esteemed by, or of being in favor with, the
      people at large; good will or favor proceeding from the
      people; as, the popularity of a law, statesman, or a book.
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            A popularity which has lasted down to our time.
                                                  --Macaulay.
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   2. The quality or state of being adapted or pleasing to
      common, poor, or vulgar people; hence, cheapness;
      inferiority; vulgarity.
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            This gallant laboring to avoid popularity falls into
            a habit of affectation.               --B. Jonson.
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   3. Something which obtains, or is intended to obtain, the
      favor of the vulgar; claptrap.
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            Popularities, and circumstances which . . . sway the
            ordinary judgment.                    --Bacon.
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   4. The act of courting the favor of the people. [Obs.]
      "Indicted . . . for popularity and ambition." --Holland.
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   5. Public sentiment; general passion. [R.]
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            A little time be allowed for the madness of
            popularity to cease.                  --Bancroft.
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