subs. (American).—1. A man of consequence. Hence (2) one who sets himself up as better than his fellows; (3) an independent Republican, who, in 1884 openly refused to vote for the party nominee; and (4) a citizen who declines to take any part in politics. See quots. 1887 and 1896.
1840. Great Western, 4 July, ‘Leader.’ Then the great MUGWUMP was delivered of a speech which the faithful loudly applauded.
1887. Cornhill Magazine, June, p. 626. MUGWUMP … is now generally applied to those who profess to study the interests of their country before those of their party.
1888. C. L. NORTON, Political Americanisms, s.v. After the Independent movement was started, the word was launched on its career of popularity. The Critic of September 6th, 1884, contained a note to the effect that the word was of Algonquin origin, and occurred in Elliott’s Indian Bible, being used to translate such titles as lord, high-captain, chief, great man, leader, or duke. In Matthew vi. 21, it occurs as MUKXUOMP; and again in Genesis xxxvi. 40–43, and several times in II. Samuel xxiii. As is frequently the case in American polities, the word was used as a term of derision and reproach by one section, and accepted with a half-humorous sense of its aptness by the other.
1896. MORTON FREWIN, in National Review, Jan., p. 600. A nucleus of pretentious political thinkers who get together to discuss counsels of perfection. These superior beings … are described in the latest editions of American dictionaries as MUGWUMPS.
Verb. (American).—To abstain from politics.
Also MUGWUMPERY and MUGWUMPISM = the habit of MUGWUMPING.
1896. MORTON FREWIN, in National Review, Jan., p. 600. I fear, however, that the warm heart of MUGWUMPERY will no longer follow that idol which had been shattered prematurely in 1884 but for this handful of its votaries.
