I.a laying waste, ravaging, plundering, spoiling, devastation, etc. (not in Cic.).
I. Lit.: “populationem effuse facere,” Liv. 2, 64.—In plur.: “populationibus incursionibusque,” Liv. 3, 3 fin.: “hostem rapinis, pabulationibus populationibusque prohibere,” Caes. B. G. 1, 15.—
B. Transf.
1. Concr., things plundered, plunder, booty: “Veientes pleni populationum,” Liv. 2, 43.—
2. A ravaging, destroying done by animals: “a populatione murium formicarumque frumenta defendere,” Col. 2, 20; so, “volucrum,” id. 3, 21.—
II. Trop., destruction, corruption, ruin (post-Aug.): “morum,” Plin. 9, 34, 53, § 104; of ruin through luxury, Col. 1, 5, 7.