1. members of irregular bands of antislavery guerrilla fighters in Kansas and Missouri before and during the American Civil War
Usage: historical
2. natives or residents of Kansas
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.