bigot Meaning, Definition & Usage

Big"ot noun

Etymology

F. bigot a bigot or hypocrite, a name once given to the Normans in France. Of unknown origin; possibly akin to Sp. bigote a whisker; hombre de bigote a man of spirit and vigor; cf. It. s-bigottire to terrify, to appall. Wedgwood and others maintain that bigot is from the same source as Beguine, Beghard.

Definitions

1. A hypocrite; esp., a superstitious hypocrite. Obs.
2. A person who regards his own faith and views in matters of religion as unquestionably right, and any belief or opinion opposed to or differing from them as unreasonable or wicked. In an extended sense, a person who is intolerant of opinions which conflict with his own, as in politics or morals; one obstinately and blindly devoted to his own church, party, belief, or opinion.

   To doubt, where bigots had been content to wonder and believe. Macaulay.

Big"ot adjective

Definitions

1. Bigoted. Obs.

   In a country more bigot than ours. Dryden.