doughface

[ doh-feys ]

noun

, U.S. History.

1. a Northerner who sympathized with the South during the controversies over new territories and slavery before the Civil War.
2. a congressman from a northern state not opposed to slavery in the South.

Word History and Origins

Origin of doughface¹

An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; dough + face

Example Sentences

Pierce suffered by being a Doughface: a Northerner who favored the South.

From Washington Post

Extending the list of timid pre-Civil War compromisers, Pierce was a Jackson Democrat from New Hampshire whom Whig foes called "doughface"—a northerner with southern principles.

From US News

At the same time, emphasizing Pierce’s status as a doughface threatened to push anti-slavery Democrats into the splinter Free Soil Party, fracturing the party in the North.

From Slate

Doughface, a contented lickspittle; a common variety of Northern politician.

From Project Gutenberg

I du believe thet holdin' slaves Comes nat'ral tu a Presidunt, Let 'lone the rowdedow it saves To hev a wal-broke precedunt; Fer any office, small or gret, I couldn't ax with no face, Without I'd ben, thru dry an' wet, Th' unrizzest kind o' doughface.

From Project Gutenberg