Locofoco

American  

[loh-koh-foh-koh] / ˌloʊ koʊˈfoʊ koʊ /

noun

1. (sometimes lowercase) a member of the radical faction of the New York City Democrats, organized in 1835 to oppose the conservative members of the party.

2. (lowercase) a friction match or cigar developed in the 19th century, ignited by rubbing against any hard, dry surface.

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Etymology

Origin of Locofoco

Special use of locofoco (cigar), self-lighting, rhyming compound apparently based on loco(motive), taken to mean self-moving; -foco, alteration of Italian fuoco fire < Latin focus fireplace

Example Sentences

He is an Engineer by profession—once penetrated with his companions to the Pacific coast, across the Rocky Mountains—is the son-in-law of Tom Benton—is a Free Trade Locofoco, and an avowed Free Soiler.

From Americanism Contrasted with Foreignism, Romanism, and Bogus Democracy in the Light of Reason, History, and Scripture; In which Certain Demagogues in Tennessee, and Elsewhere, are Shown Up in Their True Colors by Brownlow, William Gannaway

There must have been some Locofoco boys, of course, for my boy and his friends used to advance, on their side, the position that "Democrats Eat dead rats!"

From A Boy's Town by Howells, William Dean

But the Senators belonging to the Locofoco or Democratic party voted against it.

From The Great Speeches and Orations of Daniel Webster With an Essay on Daniel Webster as a Master of English Style by Webster, Daniel

A Locofoco is the only intelligible term: a fellow that would set any place on fire to roast his own eggs.

From Gryll Grange by Peacock, Thomas Love

The rules of the Senate forbid personalities in debate, and it was the sworn duty of its Locofoco President, Mr. Bright, to have called Mr. Sumner to order for his abuse of Judge Butler.

From Americanism Contrasted with Foreignism, Romanism, and Bogus Democracy in the Light of Reason, History, and Scripture; In which Certain Demagogues in Tennessee, and Elsewhere, are Shown Up in Their True Colors by Brownlow, William Gannaway