Tory definition

English

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈtɔː.ɹi/

  • Audio (UK)

    (file)

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈtɔɹ.i/
• Rhymes: -ɔːɹi

Etymology 1

From Irish tóraí (“pursuer”), from tóir (“pursuit”). The first recorded use in English is from a 1646 letter by James Butler ("Earl of Ormond") to a Colonel O' Brien, describing bandits and thieves on main roadways.^[1]

Noun

Tory (plural Tories)

1. (UK politics) A member or supporter of the Conservative Party, which evolved from Royalist politicians; historically associated with upholding the rights of the monarchy and the privileges of the established Church.
2. (by extension) One who is like a British Tory; someone politically conservative.
3. (Canadian politics) A member or supporter of the Conservative Party of Canada, one of that party's predecessors, or an affiliated provincial political party.
   • 2008, David Mutimer, Canadian Annual Review of Politics and Public Affairs 2002, page 220:

     The latest Tory budget continued the trend begun in 2000 by making further small cuts in family income taxes.

4. (historical, derogatory) A member of the political factions that sought to prevent the exclusion of James, Duke of York from the throne of England in the 17th century.
5. (now historical, derogatory) An Irish rebel fighting against English rule at the end of the Confederate War and Cromwellian invasion; later extended to other rebels or bandits.
6. (US, historical, American Revolution) A loyal British subject.
7. (US, historical, American Civil War, Confederate states) A Union sympathizer.

Synonyms

• (Politically conservative): conservative, small-c conservative
• (Canada): Conservative, Progressive Conservative, PC, P.C.
• (American Revolution): loyalist, Loyalist, United Empire Loyalist

Derived terms

Translations

Adjective

Tory (not comparable)

1. (UK politics) Of or belonging to the Tory Party or the Conservative Party.
2. (Canadian politics) Of or belonging to the Conservative Party of Canada, one of that party's predecessors, or an affiliated provincial political party.

See also

• Whig

Etymology 2

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium. Particularly: “From Victoria? but that doesn't explain a MALE name.”)

Proper noun

Tory

1. A female given name
2. A male given name

Etymology 3

Proper noun

Tory

1. An island off the northwest coast of County Donegal in Ulster, Ireland.

References

Anagrams

• Troy, ryot, troy, tyro