A person of mixed race; usually, the offspring of a white father and an Indian mother.
1775. Before the English traders came among them, there were scarcely any half breed, but now they abound among the younger sort.—B. Romans, ‘Florida, p. 82. (N.E.D.)
1791. His father [was] a half breed, betwixt a Creek and a white man.—W. Bartram, ‘Carolina,’ p. 440. (N.E.D.)
1807. The population of Texas may be estimated at 7000. These are principally Spanish, Creoles, some French, some Americans, and a few civilized Indians and half breeds.—Z. M. Pike, ‘Sources of the Mississippi,’ iii. App. 33. (N.E.D.)
1850. If there were no other considerations, I would be for extinguishing the title of these half-breeds to this portion of country [in Minnesota].—Mr. Dodge of Iowa, U.S. Senate, Sept. 27: Cong. Globe, p. 2034. [The word is much used in this debate.]
