noun pl. romans -·mans′ (-män′)

1. a type of metrical narrative developed in France in the Middle Ages
2. a novel

Etymology: Fr < OFr romanz: see Romance

adjective

1. of, characteristic of, or derived from ancient or modern Rome or its people or culture
2. Latin
3. of the Roman Catholic Church
4. designating or of the upright style of printing types most common in modern use; not italic

Etymology: < ME & L: ME Romain < OFr < L Romanus < Roma, Rome

noun

1. a person born or living in Rome, or a citizen of Rome
2. Rare the Italian spoken in Rome
3. roman type or characters
4. Informal a Roman Catholic: a mildly offensive term