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.

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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

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adjective

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

Etymology

Origin of half-breed

An Americanism dating back to 1750–60

Example Sentences

There were several episodes Lydia did not describe; that of the half breed council in the wood, for example, nor the "spooning" with Kent.

From Lydia of the Pines by Morrow, Honoré

He took a step toward Del Pinzo, but there was something so sinister in the attitude of the half breed, albeit he did not menace the boy with the weapon, that Nort shrank back.

From The Boy Ranchers or Solving the Mystery at Diamond X by Baker, Willard F.

Probably you know that Mathews, formerly an Indian Trader amongst the Osages has been committing depredations at the head of a band of half breed Cherokees, all summer.

From The American Indian as Participant in the Civil War by Abel, Annie Heloise

“No savvy dat kind feller,” said a Canadian half breed, who was just starting off with a pick.

From Unexplored! by Chaffee, Allen

Eric laid a hand fondly on the magnificent black "half breed," who had just enough mustang to give him the stamina and spirit and wildness characteristic of the Spanish-bred horse.

From Down the Mother Lode by Hemphill, Vivia