caucus
UK[ˈkɔːkəs]US[ˈkɑːkəs]
n
A meeting of members of a political party or group to select candidates, plan strategy, or make decisions about legislative matters.
v
To meet or assemble in a caucus.
Etymology
The word 'caucus' presents a fascinating etymological mystery rooted in early American history. It likely entered English in the mid-1700s from the Algonquian languages spoken by Native American peoples in the Northeast, possibly meaning 'elder' or 'counselor'. The term was adopted by political clubs in Boston and was famously used by John Adams in 1763 to describe a private meeting for political planning. From this specific, localized use denoting a closed-door political gathering, the meaning broadened and systematized to become the standard term for a formal meeting of party members to conduct party business, a process central to the American political system.
Analysis
The word 'caucus' is a simplex loanword. Its ultimate origin is obscure, but it entered American English political usage in the 18th century, likely from the Algonquian language family (e.g., Virginia Algonquian caucauasu 'advisor').
Examples
The party held a caucus to decide on their nominee for the upcoming election.
Delegates will caucus in their respective state meetings before the national convention.
The congressional caucus failed to reach a consensus on the new policy.