half-breed
[haf-breed, hahf-]Disparaging and Offensive.
- a contemptuous term used to refer to the offspring of parents of different racial origin, especially the offspring of an American Indian and a white person of European descent.
Show More
- of or relating to such offspring.
Show More
Origin of half-breed
An Americanism dating back to 1750–60
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for half-breed
Contemporary Examples
A few days later, a Half-Breed delegation arrived in Washington, begging for his assistance.
They shouted and scuffled as the Half-Breed gatekeepers shoved them aside.
Historical Examples
There was a half-breed among them, both whose hearts were black.
The Trail BookMary Austin
Someone told me they're called 'Jazz Louie and his half-breed bunch.'
Alice AdamsBooth Tarkington
The moment Stanley Fyles had disappeared he turned back to the half-breed.
The Law-BreakersRidgwell Cullum
The half-breed grinned, and displayed a flashing set of teeth.
The Night RidersRidgwell Cullum
The half-breed did not reply, but crouched and pointed with his hand.
Murder PointConingsby Dawson
half-breed
- offensive a person whose parents are of different races, esp the offspring of a White person and an American Indian
Show More
- of, relating to, or designating offspring of people or animals of different races or breeds
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for half-breed
n.
"person of mixed race," 1760; as an adjective by 1762. Half-blooded in this sense is from c.1600.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper