This old word is much used in New England instead of people or persons. 1. For the persons in one's family; as in this common phrase, 'How do your folks do?' that is, your family. 2. For people in general; as in expressions of this kind: 'What do folks think of it?' &c. Dr. Johnson observes that "it is now only used in familiar or burlesque language."--Pickering.
Old good man Dobson of the green
Remembers he the tree has seen,
And goes with folks to shew the sight.--Swift.