the klan

1 definition found

the klan - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Kuklux \Ku`klux"\, Ku Klux \Ku` Klux"\, Ku Klux Klan \Ku` Klux"
  Klan\, n.
     The name adopted in the southern part of the United States by
     a secret political organization, active for several years
     after the close of the Civil War, and having for its aim the
     repression of the political power of the freed negroes; --
     called also Kuklux Klan and the Klan. It exerienced a
     revival in the 1920's, in the north as well as the south, and
     persists as a weak organization into the 1990's. Its goals
     were primarily anti-negro and anti-Catholic, and its tactics
     included terrorist attacks on negroes for the purpose of
     intimidation with the goal of continuing segregation. The
     signature activity of the Klan was the burning of a cross,
     either at rallies of Klansmen, or on the property of
     African-Americans which they hoped to intimidate.
     [1913 Webster +PJC]