1. Plural of carpetbagging; instances of political or financial exploitation by outsiders, especially the practice of Northern politicians and businessmen moving to the South after the Civil War to profit from Reconstruction.
Usage: historical; often used in plural form; typically refers to the post-Civil War era (1865–1877)
2. Plural of carpetbagging; any opportunistic or exploitative business or political activity by outsiders in a region or community.
Usage: extended or figurative use; modern usage

Examples

• The carpetbaggings of the Reconstruction period left deep resentment in Southern communities.
• Historians debate the extent to which carpetbaggings actually benefited or harmed the South's recovery.
• Modern carpetbaggings by outside corporations have transformed the local economy.
• The novel depicts the carpetbaggings of Northern investors during the post-war years.
• Critics accused the new administration of carpetbaggings, exploiting the region's resources for personal gain.
• Carpetbaggings by outsiders often provoke resistance from established local interests.