a native or inhabitant of a city, vested with the freedom and liberties of it.

A citizen of Rome was distinguished from a stranger, because he belonged to no certain commonwealth subject to the Romans. A citizen is either by birth or election; and sons may derive the right from their fathers. To make a good Roman citizen, it was necessary to be an inhabitant of Rome, to be enrolled in one of the tribes, and to be capable of dignities. Those to whom were granted the rights and privileges of Roman citizens, were only honorary citizens. It was not lawful to scourge a citizen of Rome.