roorback

noun

roor·​back ˈru̇r-ˌbak How to pronounce roorback (audio)
: a defamatory falsehood published for political effect

Word History

Etymology

from an attack on James K. Polk in 1844 purporting to quote from an invented book by a Baron von Roorback

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of roorback was in 1855

Podcast

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Dictionary Entries Near roorback

roop

roorback

roos

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Cite this Entry

“Roorback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roorback. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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