caucus (noun) - a closed meeting of members of a specific political party, movement, or faction for official purposes; a group of lawmakers of the same political party or affiliation [kaw-kuhs]
caucus as a verb means to meet as a group, usually privately, to means to choose candidates, set policy, or coordinate strategy
BREAKDOWN: The word caucus, though inescapable during election season, has an uncertain origin. The most common theory traces the term to the Algonquian caucauasu (alternately cawassough or kaw-kaw-was) meaning counselor or advisor. Other etymologists have noted the obvious resemblance and connotative connection to the Late Latin caucus meaning drinking cup or vessel.
“In fact, caucus, a word derived from the Algonquin languages, better reflected the layers of talking circles and the goal of consensus that were at the heart of governance.” —Gloria Steinem
[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not necessarily derived from classical roots.]