The Word Boycotting

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 17, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 23.

The Word Boycotting.

THE word has lately been coined, but by whom it is difficult to trace. That it will find its way into the dictionaries of the future as a legitimate word we have little doubt. The expression "boycotting" has already become historic. Its origin was as follows: A Captain Boycott was the agent of a land owner in Ireland. His policy proved to be distasteful and offensive to the tenants, and such was their feelings in the matter that they asked the landlord to remove him. This the landed proprietor declined to do, and in return the tenants and their friends refused to work for or under Boycott. They would not harvest his crops, and they made an agreement among themselves that none of them or theirs should assist or work for him in the harvest. His crops were endangered, when relief arrived in the persons of certain Ulster men, who, under the protection of the troops, harvested the crops of Boycott.

The defensive league of the tenantry was much more powerful and effective than might be guessed by the single instance of combination referred to above. The ramifications of their compact were very numerous and extensive. For example, it was decided that if any one had any dealing with Boycott, or those who represented him, then no one was to have any dealing with that person. If a man worked for Boycott he was to be looked on by his old neighbors and friends as a total stranger; no one was to sell or buy of him; no one was to know him. The effect of this agreement, when carried to its extreme limits, was just what its author proposed. And "boycotting" has become a very forcible phrase. The system has been sought to be introduced into the United States, but with partial success only. To say the least, it is anything but an honorable means of gaining redress for alleged wrongs.