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Fenian†
[alteration of Irish Gaelic. feinne, pl. of fiann band of Fenians; cp. Feni ancient people of Ireland]
Hist.
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
n.
a member of a militant secret brotherhood of Irish-Americans and their sympathizers in Canada, advocates of Irish independence, who sought to advance their cause by attacking Canada, carrying out abortive raids in 1866, 1870, and 1871.
See: Hunters' Lodge
Quotations
1865
Every mail brings us tidings of the organization and arming of Fenians and Orangemen in all the chief cities of Upper Canada.
1870
To squelch these Fenian scamps right out / Would glorify our nation.
1963
Bumptious Fenians, operating out of bases in the United States, seemed determined once again to attempt the conquest of Canada.