v. & n. (also jerrymander)
--v.tr.
1. manipulate the boundaries of (a constituency etc.) so as to give undue influence to some party or class.
2 manipulate (a situation etc.) to gain advantage.
--n. this practice.
Derivatives:
gerrymanderer n.
Etymology: the name of Governor Gerry of Massachusetts + (SALA)MANDER, from the shape of a district on a political map drawn when he was in office (1812)