ku klux klan

• POS: Noun Phrase

CIDE DICTIONARY

ku klux klan, n. 

 The name adopted in the southern part of the United States by a secret political organization, active for several years after the close of the Civil War, and having for its aim the repression of the political power of the freed negroes; -- called also Kuklux Klan and the Klan. It exerienced a revival in the 1920's, in the north as well as the south, and persists as a weak organization into the 1990's. Its goals were primarily anti-negro and anti-Catholic, and its tactics included terrorist attacks on negroes for the purpose of intimidation with the goal of continuing segregation. The signature activity of the Klan was the burning of a cross, either at rallies of Klansmen, or on the property of African-Americans which they hoped to intimidate.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

ku klux klan, n. a secret society of White people in the southern States of the US, orig. formed after the Civil War and dedicated to persecuting and terrorizing Blacks.

Derivative

Ku Klux Klansman n. (pl. -men).

Etymology

perh. f. Gk kuklos circle + CLAN