[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

popular \pop"ular\, a. l. popularis, fr. populus people: cf.
   f. populaire. see people.
   1. of or pertaining to the common people, or to the whole
      body of the people, as distinguished from a select
      portion; as, the popular voice; popular elections.
      "popular states." --bacon. "so the popular vote inclines."
      --milton.
      1913 webster

            the men commonly held in popular estimation are
            greatest at a distance.               --j. h.
                                                  newman.
      1913 webster

   2. suitable to common people; easy to be comprehended; not
      abstruse; familiar; plain.
      1913 webster

            homilies are plain popular instructions. --hooker.
      1913 webster

   3. adapted to the means of the common people; possessed or
      obtainable by the many; hence, cheap; common; ordinary;
      inferior; as, popular prices; popular amusements.
      1913 webster

            the smallest figs, called popular figs, . . . are,
            of all others, the basest and of least account.
                                                  --holland.
      1913 webster

   4. beloved or approved by the people; pleasing to people in
      general, or to many people; as, a popular preacher; a
      popular law; a popular administration.
      1913 webster

   5. devoted to the common people; studious of the favor of the
      populace. r.
      1913 webster

            such popular humanity is treason.     --addison.
      1913 webster

   6. prevailing among the people; epidemic; as, a popular
      disease. obs. --johnson.
      1913 webster

   popular action law, an action in which any person may sue
      for penalty imposed by statute. --blackstone.
      1913 webster
see also:
people popular action 

[2] : Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)

popular action, punishment. an action given by statute to any one who will 
sue for the penalty. a qui tam action. dig. 47, 23, 1. 

Action >> A Words
Action, definition of term: Action
action_pag1.html

Action Replay >> A Words
Action Replay, definition of term: Action Replay
action+replay_pag1.html

Action Potentia >> A Words
Action Potentia, definition of term: Action Potentia
action+potentia_pag1.html

Direct Action >> D Words
Direct Action, definition of term: Direct Action
direct+action_pag1.html

Civil Action >> C Words
Civil Action, definition of term: Civil Action
civil+action_pag1.html