I. ˈmav(ə)rik, -rēk noun
( -s )
Etymology: after Samuel A. Maverick died 1870 American pioneer in Texas who did not brand his calves
1. West : an unbranded range animal ; especially : a calf on the range that is unbranded and not following its mother
2.
a. : a refractory or recalcitrant member of a political party who bolts at will and sets an independent course
b. : an intellectual or a member of a social upper class or of any other group who refuses to conform and takes an unorthodox stand
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. West : to brand and take possession of (an animal) as a maverick
2. West : to obtain by dishonest or questionable means
III. adjective
: being, behaving like, or typical of a maverick : recalcitrant , unmarked , stray
a maverick calf
maverick floating mine
a maverick stand on a tax bill