[f. CONSTITUENT: see -ENCY, and cf. regency, etc.] A body of constituents, the body of voters who elect a representative member of a legislative or other public body; in looser use, the whole body of residents in the district or place represented by such a member, or the place or district itself considered in reference to its representation.
1831. Macaulay, Lett., 30 May. I happened … to say that I wished that it had been possible to form a few commercial constituencies, if the word constituency were admissible. ‘I am glad you put that in,’ said [Lady Holland] … ‘It is an odious word.’
1831. Ann. Reg., 11. The new constituency being thus formed, the remaining part of the ministerial plan regarded the actual election.
1836. Penny Cycl., V. 207. Changes introduced into the local constituencies by the Municipal Reform Act.
1884. Gladstone, in Times, 29 Feb. I am familiar with the case of a county where the non-resident voters are one-fourth part of the constituency.
b. transf. A body of supporters, customers, subscribers, etc.; = CLIENTELE 3. (colloq.)
Mod. Now that the paper is reduced in price, it appeals to a larger constituency.
