re·pub·lic [ri-puhb-lik] noun 1. a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens ... http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/republic?s=t republic (n.) c.1600, "state in which supreme power rests in the people," http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=republic&searchmode=none