Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PUB'LIC, n.

The general body of mankind or of a nation, state or community; the people, indefinitely. The public is more disposed to censure than to praise. – Addison. In this passage, public is followed by a verb in the singular number; but being a noun of multitude, it is more generally followed by a plural verb; the public are. In public, in open view; before the people at large; not in private or secresy. In private grieve, but with a careless scorn, / In public seem to triumph, not to mourn. – Granville.