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Know-Nothings

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A secret political party of the United States, which arose in 1853, who replied to every question asked about their society, “I know nothing about it.” Their object was to accomplish the repeal of the naturalisation laws, and of the law which excluded all but natives from holding office. The party split on the slavery question and died out.

The chief principle of the party was that no one who had not been 21 years in the United States should be permitted to have any part in the government.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Knockers
Knot
Knot and Bridle (A)
Knots of May
Knotted Stick is Planed (The)
Knotgrass
Knout
Know Thyself
Know the Fitting Moment
Know Your Own Mind
Know-Nothings
Knows which Side his Bread is Buttered (He)
Knowledge-box (Your)
Knox’s Croft
Knuckle-duster
Knuckle Under (To)
Kobold
Kochlani
Koh-i-Nûr [Mountain of light]
Kohol or Kohl
Koli or the Kolis

See Also:

Know-nothings