filibuster: definition from Oxford Dictionary of English – download from: filibuster /ˈfɪlɪbʌstə /

▸ noun

1 an action such as a prolonged speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly while not technically contravening the required procedures: the bill was defeated by a Senate filibuster in June.

2 historical a person engaging in unauthorized warfare against a foreign state.

▸ verb [no object] act in an obstructive manner in a legislative assembly, especially by speaking at inordinate length: he was one of four Tories who filibustered for more than 30 minutes each to derail the free parking plan. ▪ [with object] obstruct (proposed legislation) with a filibuster.

– ORIGIN late 18th century : from French flibustier, first applied to pirates who pillaged the Spanish colonies in the West Indies. In the mid 19th century (via Spanish filibustero), the term denoted American adventurers who incited revolution in several Latin American states, whence filibuster (SENSE 2 OF THE noun). The verb was used to describe tactics intended to sabotage US congressional proceedings, whence filibuster (SENSE 1 OF THE noun).!.