Definition of carpetbagger
1 : a Northerner in the South after the American Civil War usually seeking private gain under the reconstruction governments
2 : outsider; especially : a nonresident or new resident who seeks private gain from an area often by meddling in its business or politics
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Origin and Etymology of carpetbagger
from their carrying all their belongings in carpetbags
First Known Use: 1867
Other History Terms
CARPETBAGGER Defined for English Language Learners
carpetbagger
playDefinition of carpetbagger for English Language Learners
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: a person from the northern United States who went to the South after the American Civil War to make money
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: a political candidate who runs for office in a place where he or she has lived only for a short time
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See words that rhyme with carpetbagger Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about carpetbagger
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