caucus
verbEtymology
Unknown. Often claimed to be from an Algonquian language; transcribed words such as cawaassough and caucauasu meaning "counselor, elder, adviser" appear in early texts. 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 from Medieval Latin caucus (“drinking vessel”).
Canada, Israel, Pakistan, South Africa, US, Zimbabwe, Archaic, In UK To meet and participate in a caucus.
Not used in the European Union
- Senator Joseph I. Lieberman of Connecticut said yesterday that he will caucus with Senate Democrats in the new Congress, but he would not rule out switching to the Republican caucus if he starts to feel uncomfortable among Democrats.2006 November 13, “Lieberman won't rule out GOP caucusing”, in Boston Globe, sourced from Associated Press, archived from the original on 28 Nov 2006:
- The diehard Republicans of Kansas caucused today and delivered a big victory for Mike Huckabee, McCain's remaining serious challenger.2008 February 9, Richard Adams, “Huckabee wins Kansas!”, in The Guardian, →ISSN:
2 more examples
- Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Doug Jones of Alabama and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona voted with Republicans against the measure, as did Sen. Angus King of Maine, an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats.2019 March 26, Rebecca Shabad, Dartunorro Clark, “Senate fails to advance Green New Deal as Democrats protest McConnell 'sham vote'”, in NBC news:
- Guardian Australia understands the Liberal states have caucused, and they want the newly elected Morrison government to reboot the Neg, or something very like it.2019 June 21, Katharine Murphy, “Australia's energy future: the real power is not where you’d think”, in The Guardian, →ISSN:
Not used in the European Union
- The protesters caucused nearby to discuss demands.1980 December 27, John Zeh, “Cincy Activists Protest Store's Violent Sex Wares”, in Gay Community News, volume 8, number 23, page 6:
Canada, Israel, Pakistan, South Africa, US, Zimbabwe, Archaic, In UK To bring into or treat in a caucus.
Not used in the European Union
- Although journalists from the private media were barred from entering the hall, different districts caucused the meeting, discussing the voting centres and other logistics.2017 May 6, Tatenda Chitagu, “Zanu PF to stage one-man chairmanship polls”, in NewsDay Zimbabwe, archived from the original on 19 Dec 2020: