The Quids were a third party (tertium quid) opposed to Madison’s administration.
1805. That I have denounced republicans by the epithet of Jacobins, and declared I would appoint none but those called moderates of both parties, and that I have avowed or entertain any predilection for those called the third party, or Quids, is in every tittle of it false.—Thomas Jefferson, ‘Writings’ (1830), iv. 45. (N.E.D.)
1805. A writer in the last Quid paper.—Intelligencer, Lancaster, Pa., Sept. 17.
1805. The Quids, or Third Party, boast of the blackguard Bullies they had provided … to insult and abuse persons offering votes contrary to their wishes.—Id., Sept. 17.
1805. The Yeomanry of Pennsylvania [will] give Federalism, Quidism, and all their allies, a total overthrow.—Id., Oct. 29.
1806. The Jacobins, Democrats, Quids, and Randolphites.—Mass. Spy, Oct. 28.
1807.
| Let faithless Traitors, and Apostate Quids, | |
| Tories of old and sullen angry Feds, | |
| Unite their Interests in one common Cause, | |
| To tread down Virtue, Liberty, and Laws. | |
Lancaster (Pa.) Intelligencer, Jan. 6. |
1807. The Feds, and the little band of Quids, in opposition, will try to make something of the infringement of liberty by the military arrest and deportation of citizens, but if it does not go beyond such offenders as Swartwout, Bollman, Burr, Blennerhasset, Tyler, &c., they will be supported by the public approbation.—Tho. Jefferson to Gov. Claiborne of Miss., Feb. 3.
1807. See STEADY HABITS.
1807. The name Quid was first used in Pennsylvania, to denote a certain party in politics. I wish some one would explain its origin and import.—“Mentor” in The Balance, March 24, p. 90.
1807. The leaders of the faction denominated Quid or Lewisite.—Dewitt Clinton in the Albany Register: The Balance, April 14, p. 116.
1812. The triangular war must be the idea of the Anglomen and malcontents, in other words, the federalists and quids.—Tho. Jefferson to James Madison, May 30.
