squatter sovereignty

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noun U.S. History.

(used contemptuously by its opponents) popular sovereignty (def. 2).

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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

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Origin of squatter sovereignty

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Words nearby squatter sovereignty

squash vine borer, squashy, squassation, squat, squatter, squatter sovereignty, squatter's right, squat thrust, squattocracy, squatty, Squauwmish

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use squatter sovereignty in a sentence

We know how the Senator stands upon popular or squatter sovereignty.
A Report of the Debates and Proceedings in the Secret Sessions of the Conference Convention|Lucius Eugene Chittenden
Then opened the roar of loose declamation in favour of Squatter Sovereignty and sacred right of self-government.
Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1832-1865|Abraham Lincoln
And this great power, transferred from Congress to these few settlers, was hailed by the new-fangled name of Squatter Sovereignty.
Charles Sumner; his complete works, volume 5 (of 20)|Charles Sumner
One of the political doctrines of Mr. Douglas was called "Squatter Sovereignty."
Boys' and Girls' Biography of Abraham Lincoln|James H. Shaw

Then opened the roar of loose declamation in favor of "squatter sovereignty," and "sacred right of self-government."
The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume Three|Abraham Lincoln

British Dictionary definitions for squatter sovereignty

squatter sovereignty

noun

a derogatory term for popular sovereignty

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