Caucus Definition

kôkəs

caucused, caucuses, caucusing, caucus

noun

A meeting of the local members of a political party especially to select delegates to a convention or register preferences for candidates running for office.

American Heritage

A private meeting of leaders or a committee of a political party or faction to decide on policy, pick candidates, etc., esp. prior to a general, open meeting.

Webster's New World

The group attending such a meeting.

Webster's New World

A group within a legislative or decision-making body seeking to represent a specific interest or influence a particular area of policy.

A minority caucus.

American Heritage

A faction or group of politicians.

The black Congressional caucus.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

verb

To hold, or take part in, a caucus.

Webster's New World

To assemble or canvass (members of a caucus).

American Heritage

To assemble in or hold a caucus.

American Heritage

To assemble or canvass (members of a caucus).

American Heritage

A meeting of the leaders, members, or representatives of a political party to select the party’s nominees or convention delegates, plan a campaign, or develop party policy or strategy. An organized group of members of a legislative body who share a common interest and work together to further those interests through legislation. Any group or meeting organized to advance a particular cause. To meet in or hold a caucus.

Webster's New World Law

Other Word Forms of Caucus

Noun

Singular:

caucus

Plural:

caucuses

Origin of Caucus

Unknown. One possible source is Algonquin cawaassough or caucauasu (“counselor, elder, adviser”). A popular folk etymology attested in Great Leaders and National Issues of 1896 stated: "In the early part of the eighteenth century a number of caulkers connected with the shipping business in the North End of Boston held a meeting for consultation. That meeting was the germ of the political caucuses which have formed so prominent a feature of our government ever since its organization." American Heritage Dictionary states the term is taken from the Caucus Club of Boston in the 1760s, possibly derived from Medieval Latin caucus, drinking vessel.

From Wiktionary
After the Caucus Club of Boston (in the 1760s) possibly from Medieval Latin caucus drinking vessel

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
After the Caucus Club of Boston (in the 1760s) possibly from Medieval Latin caucus drinking vessel

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition