loyalist
loyalist Lexical Profile
loyalist Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person who remains firmly loyal to an established ruler, government, political party, or institution, especially in the face of a rebellion or crisis.
"Even after the party's electoral defeat, she remained a staunch party loyalist who defended the former leader's policies."
North American A colonist of the American revolutionary period who supported and remained allegiant to the British Crown (often capitalized).
"Following the Treaty of Paris in 1783, thousands of American Loyalists resettled in Nova Scotia and Ontario."
British In Northern Ireland, a person who strongly supports the continued political union between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
"Community leaders from both nationalist and loyalist backgrounds met in Belfast to discuss the peace initiative."
• adjective
Relating to, characteristic of, or supporting an established government, political party, or leader, especially during a revolt.
"The prime minister appointed several loyalist ministers to key cabinet positions to secure his legislative agenda."
• Rhymes for loyalist
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 17th century from 'loyal' and the suffix '-ist', the term gained widespread historical prominence during the American Revolution to describe colonists who remained faithful to the British Crown.