Republican \Re*pub"lic*an\ (-l?-kan), a. [F. r['e]publicain.]

1. Of or pertaining to a republic.

The Roman emperors were republican magistrates named by the senate. --Macaulay.

2. Consonant with the principles of a republic; as, republican sentiments or opinions; republican manners.

Republican party. (U.S. Politics)
   (a) An earlier name of the Democratic party when it was opposed to the Federal party. Thomas Jefferson was its great leader.
   (b) One of the existing great parties. It was organized in 1856 by a combination of voters from other parties for the purpose of opposing the extension of slavery, and in 1860 it elected Abraham Lincoln president.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Republican \Re*pub"lic*an\ (r?-p?b"l?-kan), n.

1. One who favors or prefers a republican form of government.

2. (U.S.Politics) A member of the Republican party.

3. (Zo["o]l.)
   (a) The American cliff swallow. The cliff swallows build their nests side by side, many together.
   (b) A South African weaver bird (Philet[ae]rus socius). These weaver birds build many nests together, under a large rooflike shelter, which they make of straw.

Red republican. See under Red.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)