The Spanish (USA) roots of the word 'filibuster'

'Filibuster' is a word borrowed from Spanish (USA) 'filibuster'. The word entered the English language some time around 1851.

filibuster [noun] [1851]

• an irregular military adventurer
• an American engaged in fomenting insurrections in Latin America in the mid-19th century
• the use of extreme dilatory tactics in an attempt to delay or prevent action especially in a legislative assembly
• an instance of this practice

See 'filibuster' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Spanish (USA).

Etymology: Spanish 'filibustero' literally, freebooter

See more loan words from 1800s.