noun
- members of irregular bands of antislavery guerrilla fighters in Kansas and Missouri before and during the American Civil War
- natives or residents of Kansas
Usage: historical
Usage: informal
Examples
- The jayhawkers fought against pro-slavery forces in Bleeding Kansas.
- John Brown led some of the most famous jayhawkers during the border conflicts.
- These jayhawkers conducted raids across the Kansas-Missouri border.
- The term jayhawkers later became associated with all Kansas residents.
- Many jayhawkers joined the Union Army when the Civil War began.
- The jayhawkers were known for their fierce opposition to slavery.