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Webster 1913 Edition
Gerrymander
Gerˊry-man′der
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Gerrymandered
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Gerrymandering
.] To divide (a State) into districts for the choice of representatives, in an unnatural and unfair way, with a view to give a political party an advantage over its opponent.
[Political Cant, U. S.]
☞ This was done in Massachusetts at a time when Elbridge
Gerry
was governor, and was attributed to his influence, hence the name; though it is now known that he was opposed to the measure. Bartlett.