Tory

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Definition from the Era


(The information in this section is from the 1771 edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica. Please do not make edits to this section. Content is presented in its original form as to spelling and grammar use. This is what an educated person of Aubrey and Maturin's time would have known)


The tories are great sticklers for the prerogative of the crown as the whigs are for the liberties and privileges of the people; though in truth, the principles of the moderate people of both parties do not greatly differ. (M-Z pg 900)

The name of whig and tory were not known till about the middle of the reign of Charles II, when these were given a party distinctions. These parties may be considered either with regard to the state, or to religion. The state tories are either violent, or moderate: the first would have the king to be absolute, and therefore plead for passive obedience, non-resistance, and the hereditary right of the house of Steuart. The moderate tories would not suffer the king to lose any of his prerogative; but then they would not sacrifice those of the people. (M-Z pg 940 under Whig)

Additional information

In the Canon

Jack Aubrey professes on many occasions to be a Tory.

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