Dictionary entry

Gerrymander

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ger′ry‐man″der (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Gerrymandered (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Gerrymandering.] To divide (a State) into districts for the choice of representatives, in an unnatural and unfair way, with a view to give a political party an advantage over its opponent.

☞ This was done in Massachusetts at a time when Elbridge Gerry was governor, and was attributed to his influence, hence the name; though it is now known that he was opposed to the measure. Bartlett.