The New Student's Reference Work/Caucus

Caucus (derivation doubtful), in politics, a term applied to designate a conference, generally preliminary to a subsequent public meeting, of men who desire to select delegates, nominate certain party representatives for office or take certain action in regard to some public question, give shape to and outline proposed later legislation, as well as to ascertain and discuss the views of those so called together in preliminary and sometimes secret council. The deliberation is one usually held to promote unity among members of the same party, in regard to public measures, and suggesting the line to be taken in advancing such, or possibly, in balking and defeating them, if objected to or deemed unwise and inexpedient.