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.
The public is more disposed to censure than to praise.
Addison. 2. A public house; an inn. [Scot.] Sir W. Scott.
In public,
openly; before an audience or the people at large; not in private or secrecy. "We are to speak
in public." Shak.