/ ˈtɔːri; NAmE / noun
( pl. -ies ) ( informal ) a member or supporter of the British Conservative party :
The Tories (= the Tory party) lost the election.
► Tory adjective [ usually before noun ]:
the Tory party
Tory policies
► Tory·ism noun [ U ]
For more information see the Cultural Guide
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: probably from Irish toraidhe outlaw, highwayman, from tóir pursue. The word was used of Irish peasants dispossessed by English settlers and living as robbers, and extended to other marauders especially in the Scottish Highlands. It was then adopted c. 1679 as an abusive nickname for supporters of the Catholic James II.