Proletariat
/ˌproʊ.ləˈtɛr.i.ət/noun
The class of wage workers who do not own the means of production.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, the *proletarii* were the poorest citizens, valued mainly for their *proles*—their children—because offspring meant future soldiers and taxpayers.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Rome
Latin
proletarius
“A citizen of the lowest class, counted as contributing mainly children rather than property”
Latin
Latin
proles
“Offspring, descendants, children”
Late Latin
Latin
proletarius
“A member of the lowest Roman social class”
18th Century
French
prolétariat
“The class of wage laborers or the poor”
19th Century
English
proletariat
“The working class, especially industrial wage workers”
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