tory

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

The name of a political party. It originated in Ireland, and is derived from toraigham--to pursue for plunder. (Lingard, Hist. England, XI. 135.) It imported a leaning towards popery and despotism and was first applied to the natives of Ireland, who having been deprived of their estates, supported themselves by depredations on the English settlers.--Wade's British History, p. 237.

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