proletarian Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a member of the working class (not necessarily employed)
    worker; prole.
    • workers of the world--unite!
  2. adjective satellite belonging to or characteristic of the proletariat

WordNet

Prol`e*ta"ri*an adjective
Etymology
L. proletarius. See Proletary.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to the proletaries; belonging to the commonalty; hence, mean; vile; vulgar. "Every citizen, if he were not a proletarian animal kept at the public cost." De Quincey. -- n. A proletary.

Webster 1913