Legal Definitions - commoner

Definition: A commoner is an ordinary citizen who is not a peer. In the past, it also referred to a member of the House of Commons, a common lawyer, or a person with a right to pasture on a lord's land. It can also refer to a person who shares a right in common.

• Prince William married a commoner, Kate Middleton, who was not of noble birth.
• In the past, commoners were not allowed to hunt on the lord's land.
• Commoners in the House of Commons represent the interests of the general public.
• People who live in a certain area may have common rights to use a park or a beach.

The examples illustrate how the term "commoner" can refer to different things depending on the context. It can refer to social status, legal rights, or political representation. The examples also show how the term has evolved over time, from a specific legal status to a more general term for an ordinary person.