tory

Tory is a term used to describe a member or supporter of a conservative political tradition in the United Kingdom and in some other Commonwealth countries. It originated in 17th-century England as a political faction that supported the monarchy and the Church of England, opposing the Whigs who favored greater parliamentary limits on royal power. The exact origin of the term is uncertain; it is commonly thought to have emerged from a derogatory label used by opponents, with proposed roots in the Irish tóraidhe, meaning outlaw or robber.

Over the 18th and early 19th centuries, the Tory faction evolved into what is now the Conservative Party. Sir Robert Peel and his successors helped establish Conservative as the party name, while “Tory” remained a familiar informal designation in politics and journalism.

In modern Britain, “Tory” is widely used to refer to members or supporters of the Conservative Party. It can be neutral or carry a pejorative or colloquial nuance depending on context and tone.

In Canada and some other Commonwealth countries, “Tory” is used informally to denote a Conservative Party member or supporter, reflecting historical ties to the British Tory tradition. The formal party name in Canada is the Conservative Party of Canada.

The term also appears in cultural and historical contexts and can be encountered as a surname or in media references. The primary public meaning, however, is a political identifier linked to conservative ideology and party affiliation.

See also: Conservative Party, Conservative politics, Whig party.