Tory (Noun)
Meaning 1
A supporter of traditional political and social institutions against the forces of reform; a political conservative.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The tory faction in the government opposed the new tax reform bill, arguing it would stifle economic growth.
- As a staunch tory, she believed in the importance of maintaining traditional values and social norms.
- The tory politician's speech was met with applause from the conservative crowd, who shared his views on limited government intervention.
- In the 19th century, the tory party in England was known for its opposition to the abolition of slavery and the expansion of voting rights.
- The tory wing of the party has been at odds with the more progressive elements, leading to internal conflicts and power struggles.
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
An American who favored the British side during the American Revolution.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- After the British troops withdrew from Boston, many local Tories fled with them for fear of retribution from their patriot neighbors.
- The colonial authorities warned the community that any Tory caught cooperating with the British would be arrested and charged with treason.
- During the war, the term Tory became a pejorative, with patriots using it to describe anyone who did not wholeheartedly support the American cause.
- Many American Tories, who had once held prominent positions in colonial society, were forced to flee to Canada or England after the war.
- The family's decision to join the British Army during the war made them lifelong Tories, shunned by their patriot relatives for generations to come.
Meaning 3
A member of political party in Great Britain that has been known as the Conservative Party since 1832; was the opposition party to the Whigs.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The local Tory member of parliament represented the interests of the rural landowners in the region.
- During the 18th century, the Tories were often at odds with the Whigs over issues of taxation and foreign policy.
- As a staunch Tory, she voted against the proposed bill to reform the electoral system.
- Historians have long debated the role of the Tories in the English Civil War of the 17th century.
- The British Tory politician was known for his advocacy of strong law and order policies.