free-soil

1 of 2

adjective

1
: characterized by free soil
free-soil states
2
capitalized F&S : opposing the extension of slavery into U.S. territories and the admission of slave states into the Union prior to the Civil War
specifically : of, relating to, or being a minor U.S. political party with these aims
Free-Soiler noun
Free-Soilism noun

free soil

2 of 2

noun

: U.S. territory where prior to the Civil War slavery was prohibited

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free-soil was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near free-soil

Cite this Entry

“Free-soil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free-soil. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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