GERRYMANDERING

Etymology

After the US Politician Governor Elbridge Gerry who was associated with a constituency said to resemble a salamander.

Noun

gerrymandering (uncountable)

(politics) The practice of redrawing electoral districts to gain an electoral advantage for a political party.

Verb

gerrymandering

present participle of gerrymander

Source: Wiktionary

GERRYMANDER

Ger`ry*man"der, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Gerrymandered; p. pr. & vb. n. Gerrymandering.]

Definition: To divide (a State) into districts for the choice of representatives, in an unnatural and unfair way, with a view to give a political party an advantage over its opponent. [Political Cant, U. S.]

Note: This was done in Massachusetts at a time when Elbridge Gerry was governor, and was attributed to his influence, hence the name; though it is now known that he was opposed to the measure. Bartlett.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition