Why is it called a caucus? What is the plural of caucus?

A caucus is a meeting or grouping of supporters or members of a specific political party or movement. The exact definition varies between different countries and political cultures.

Why is it called a caucus?

There are three main theories for its origins: Native American. James Hammond Trumbull suggested to the American Philological Association that the word comes from an Algonquian word for “counsel”, cau´-cau-as´u. It might also derive from the Algonquian cawaassough, meaning an advisor, talker, or orator.

What is the plural of the caucus?

caucus /ˈkɑːkəs/ noun. plural caucuses.

In Great Britain, the term came into wide use in 1878, when Joseph Chamberlain and Frank Schnadhorst organized the Liberal Association of Birmingham on strict disciplinary lines, to manage elections and control voters.

This type of organization became the model for other Liberal Party associations throughout the country; and, because it was a supposed imitation of the U.S. political machine, Benjamin Disraeli gave it the name “caucus.”