mugwump Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun someone who bolted from the Republican Party during the U.S. presidential election of 1884
  2. noun a neutral or uncommitted person (especially in politics)
    independent; fencesitter.

WordNet

Mug"wump` noun
Etymology
Cf. Algonquin mugquomp a chief.
Definitions
  1. A bolter from the Republican party in the national election of 1884; an Independent. Political Cant, U.S.

Webster 1913