Hypertext Webster Gateway: "caucus"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Caucus \Cau"cus\, n. [Etymology uncertain. Mr. J. H. Trumbull
finds the origin of caucus in the N. A. Indian word
cawcawwassough or ca['u] cau-as'u one who urges or pushes on,
a promoter. See citation for an early use of the word
caucus.]
A meeting, especially a preliminary meeting, of persons
belonging to a party, to nominate candidates for public
office, or to select delegates to a nominating convention, or
to confer regarding measures of party policy; a political
primary meeting.
This day learned that the caucus club meets, at certain
times, in the garret of Tom Dawes, the adjutant of the
Boston regiment. --John Adams's
Diary [Feb.,
1763].
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Caucus \Cau"cus\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Caucused}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Caucusing}.]
To hold, or meet in, a caucus or caucuses.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
caucus
n : a closed political meeting
v : meet to select a candidate or promote a policy
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