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half-breed

American  
[haf-breed, hahf-] / ˈhæfˌbrid, ˈhɑf- /

noun

  1. 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.


adjective

  1. of or relating to such offspring.

half-breed British  

noun

  1. offensive a person whose parents are of different races, esp the offspring of a White person and an American Indian

"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

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or designating offspring of people or animals of different races or breeds

"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

Etymology

Origin of half-breed

An Americanism dating back to 1750–60

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

We further request, that a law be made, equally applicable to the Half-breed and Indian, punishing all parties who set fire to our forest or plain.

From The Treaties of Canada with the Indians of Manitoba and the North-West Territories Including the Negotiations on Which They Were Based, and Other Information Relating Thereto by Morris, Alexander

Brow drawn and anxious, watchful, deeply thoughtful, Conniston did not see Mr. Crawford until the buckboard driven by Half-breed Joe had stopped close behind him.

From Under Handicap A Novel by Gregory, Jackson

The Riel Rebellion, and the disaffection of the Half-breed population, made his position at times one of danger and insecurity; but he proved himself to be equal to every emergency.

From By Canoe and Dog-Train by Young, Egerton Ryerson

This Monsieur Stephens is, if I mistake not, Mademoiselle, a very zealous servant of Government, and his chief duty now is to keep watch over the assemblies held by the Half-breed people.

From Annette, the Metis Spy by Collins, J. E. (Joseph Edmund)

Ere passing from the subject, I cannot refrain from alluding to the Half-breed population of the North-West Territories.

From The Treaties of Canada with the Indians of Manitoba and the North-West Territories Including the Negotiations on Which They Were Based, and Other Information Relating Thereto by Morris, Alexander

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