half-breed

[ haf-breed, hahf- ]

noun

1. a contemptuous term used to refer to the offspring of parents of different racial origin, especially the offspring of an American Indian and a white person of European descent.

adjective

1. of or relating to such offspring.

half-breed

noun

1. offensive.
   a person whose parents are of different races, esp the offspring of a White person and an American Indian

adjective

1. of, relating to, or designating offspring of people or animals of different races or breeds

Word History and Origins

Origin of half-breed¹

An Americanism dating back to 1750–60

Example Sentences

A few days later, a Half-Breed delegation arrived in Washington, begging for his assistance.

From The Daily Beast

They shouted and scuffled as the Half-Breed gatekeepers shoved them aside.

From The Daily Beast

Clip's uncle—his mother's brother, most probably—was a half-breed and a member of Dangerfield's gang.

From Project Gutenberg

They found the half-breed cooking some bacon over a tiny fire, at the head of a gulch that was just made for human concealment.

From Project Gutenberg

"You kept this money and did not let your half-breed partner in crime know you had found it," went on the girl.

From Project Gutenberg

To be sure, he charged them off heavily, so there was little cash left from the half-breed's bootlegging operations.

From Project Gutenberg

Hastily securing his horse the half-breed skirted the ranch and located the girl's trail on the prairie.

From Project Gutenberg