Crossword Genius

Classical equivalent of Tom, Dick and Harry (3,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hoi polloi

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'classical equivalent' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for hoi polloi that I've seen before include "commoners" , "The unwashed masses!" , "The common people - in Greece" , "Proletariat" , "The masses (Greek)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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