doughface

American  

[doh-feys] / ˈdoʊˌfeɪs /

noun

U.S. History.

1. a Northerner who sympathized with the South during the controversies over new territories and slavery before the Civil War.

2. a congressman from a northern state not opposed to slavery in the South.

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Etymology

Origin of doughface

An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; dough + face

Example Sentences

The choice went instead to James Buchanan, a colorless Pennsylvania doughface with a long record of party service dating back to Andrew Jackson’s day.

From Textbooks • Jan. 18, 2018

At the same time, emphasizing Pierce’s status as a doughface threatened to push anti-slavery Democrats into the splinter Free Soil Party, fracturing the party in the North.

From Slate • Sep. 14, 2012

I am sorry to say that my Uncle Titus is a Northern doughface, and is the leader of these ruffians.

From Brother Against Brother The War on the Border by Optic, Oliver

"Now, I'll hide this doughface over night," whispered Darrin, going toward Dalzell's bed.

From Dave Darrin's Fourth Year at Annapolis by Hancock, H. Irving (Harrie Irving)

"Then——-" "Farl", broke in Dave hurriedly, almost fiercely, "has anyone a doughface?"

From Dave Darrin's Fourth Year at Annapolis by Hancock, H. Irving (Harrie Irving)