blackbirding

[ blak-bur-ding ]

noun

1. History/Historical. the act or practice of kidnapping people, especially Pacific Islanders, and selling them into slavery abroad, usually in Australia.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blackbirding¹

First recorded in 1870–75; blackbird + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

I sailed in the teak-built ketch, the Minota, on a blackbirding cruise to Malaita, and I took my wife along.

From Project Gutenberg

Whalers introduced a terrible disease; Bully Hayes, as will be presently related, found it a virgin field for "blackbirding."

From Project Gutenberg

A Solomon Islander, who had got there during the days when blackbirding or kidnapping was common, moved among them.

From Project Gutenberg

What, and be sent down here hunting after the blackbirding blackguards?

From Project Gutenberg

The traders were only too glad to get new recruits without the expense of blackbirding them.

From Project Gutenberg