loyalist

[ loi-uh-list ]
/ ˈlɔɪ ə lɪst /

noun

a person who is loyal; a supporter of the sovereign or of the existing government, especially in time of revolt.
(sometimes initial capital letter) a person who remained loyal to the British during the American Revolution; Tory.
(initial capital letter) an adherent of the republic during the Spanish Civil War, opposed to Franco.

Origin of loyalist

First recorded in 1640–50; loyal + -ist

OTHER WORDS FROM loyalist

loy·al·ism, noun

Example sentences from the Web for loyalist

British Dictionary definitions for loyalist (1 of 2)

loyalist
/ (ˈlɔɪəlɪst) /

noun

a patriotic supporter of his sovereign or government

Derived forms of loyalist

loyalism, noun

British Dictionary definitions for loyalist (2 of 2)

Loyalist
/ (ˈlɔɪəlɪst) /

noun

(in Northern Ireland) any of the Protestants wishing to retain Ulster's link with Britain
(in North America) an American colonist who supported Britain during the War of American Independence
(in Canada) short for United Empire Loyalist
(during the Spanish Civil War) a supporter of the republican government