See Also: unionist(dictionary)
Unionist(dictionary)
Ulster Democratic Unionist Party, the(dictionary)

unionist (iou)



unionist noun & adjective. Also Unionist. L18.
[formed as UNIONISM + -IST.]
A. noun.
An adherent of or believer in unionism as a system of social or political organization; esp. one who supports the existence of a legislative union. L18.
b. A supporter or advocate of the Union of the United States of America; esp. (Hist.) one who opposed secession during the American Civil War of 1861-5. US. M19.
c. A member of a British political party formed in 1886 which supported maintenance of the parliamentary union between Great Britain and Ireland; an opponent of Home Rule, orig. for Ireland and later for Northern Ireland. Also, a member of a political party in Northern Ireland supporting union with Great Britain. L19.
Liberal Unionist: see LIBERAL adjective.
A member of a trade union; a trade-unionist. Also, an advocate of trade unions. M19.
A person who advocates the union of churches or congregations. M19.
b. attrib. or as adjective.
Of, pertaining to, or supporting a legislative union, esp. that between Great Britain and (Northern) Ireland. E19.
b. Of or belonging to a political party supporting unionism between (Northern) Ireland and Great Britain. L19.
Of or belonging to trade-unionism or trade-unionists. L19.
unio'nistic adjective of or relating to unionists; advocating or supporting union or unionism: M19.