Jayhawker

American  

[jey-haw-ker] / ˈdʒeɪˌhɔ kər /

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Kansas (used as a nickname).

2. (sometimes lowercase) a plundering marauder, especially one of the antislavery guerrillas in Kansas, Missouri, and other border states before and during the Civil War.

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Etymology

Origin of Jayhawker

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60; of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

“Grass there is scarce, wood there is none,” wrote Jayhawker Sheldon Young of the landscape.

From National Geographic • Jul. 25, 2023

Prior to finding himself advancing toward Germany near the end of World War II, Mr. Dole had been a lifelong Jayhawker, recruited to Kansas University by the legendary basketball coach Phog Allen.

From Washington Times • Dec. 5, 2021

They drove the straggling oxen back to camp with a sense of great satisfaction, and in turn received the praise of their friends who said that Ed Doty was the best Jayhawker of the border.

From Death Valley in '49 by Manly, William Lewis

There were some others connected more or less with the party at some part of the trip, but not coming in with the Jayhawker organization.

From Death Valley in '49 by Manly, William Lewis

The Jayhawker crowd seemed to think they could go anywhere and no difficulty could happen which they couldn't overcome.

From Death Valley in '49 by Manly, William Lewis