William Pitt, the Elder

Cultural  

1. An English political leader of the eighteenth century. Pitt led the British government in the Seven Years' War. Although he opposed independence for the American colonies, he worked to change the harsh colonial policies of King George III and his ministers.

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Example Sentences

William Pitt, the Elder, argued in front of Parliament that it was unconstitutional to tax the colonies.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012

In the center of town is the courthouse of Pittsylvania County �named after William Pitt the Elder, who was the Earl of Chatham.

From Time Magazine Archive

He entertained Enlightenment thinkers in the sitting room, and in 1775 held negotiations there with William Pitt the Elder.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the Seven Years' War, William Pitt the Elder undertook, besides the great designs which built the British Empire, several extravagantly expensive miniature military exploits, for which his opponents hotly criticized him.

From Time Magazine Archive

The grandfather of William Pitt the Elder was Thomas Pitt, a sea-captain, trader and gentleman adventurer.

From Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great, Volume 7 Little Journeys to the Homes of Eminent Orators by Hubbard, Elbert