DCHP-1 Online

refugee

• 1 n. Maritimes, Hist. See 1946 quote.

  • 1786  The best harbours are already occupied by the loyalists and refugees, who have settled there [N.S.] from other places. . . .
  • 1845  . . . here . . . is seated the owner of the dwelling . . . one of that fast declining remnant--the refugees.
  • 1946  During the [American] Revolution, scattered individuals and families . . . made their way to Nova Scotia . . . referred to, somewhat contemptuously, as "refugees."
  • 1956  They came up here to Nova Scotia with the other refugees.

• 2 n. Obs. one of a large number of persons loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution, many of whom came to the eastern provinces of Canada as settlers during the Revolution and for some years afterwards.

  See also: United Empire Loyalist  

  • 1783  All Issues of Provisions to the Refugee Loyalists and disbanded Troops will cease on the 10th day of April next, except at Quebec, Sorel, and the Quarters at la Chine.