USI – Glossary Of Terms

The Glossary lists key historical and contemporary terms related to the transatlantic slave trade. These words are used across the website and particularly in the Themes and Use of language.

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There are currently 26 Terms in this directory beginning with the letter P.
Parliamentarian
A person who is elected or appointed to parliament
Parody
A written or music work in which the style of an author or work is imitated for comic effect
Passive
Not active but acted upon
People's Charter
The statement set out by followers of Chartism
Perpetuate
To cause to last indefinitely
Persistence
The act or quality where one continues to do something in spite of oppositions, warnings or pleas
Philanthropy
love of mankind; philanthropists habitually display goodwill and make charitable gestures
Physician
a medical doctor who is not a surgeon
Pidgin
a simplified language developed as a result of colonialism. As the Caribbean islands were colonized their populations grew to include Europeans, Africans and Indians. The fact that they spoke different languages necessitated a common means of communication
Plantation
a large area of farmland, or estate, planted with particular crops
Plantocracy
the successful settlers who developed plantations in the Caribbean; the name combines their local rank and the status to which they aspired
Platform
A declaration of beliefs and goals (usually of a political party)
Potent
Strong
Prejudice
a preconceived opinion, usually springing from feeling rather than evidence and balanced judgement
Prevalent
Accepted, practised or happening often or over a wide areas
Privateer
a privately owned war-ship, or its captain, licensed by one government to raid the shipping of an enemy country
Pro (as opposed to con)
In favour of, a favourable person, action, or position
Pro-slavery
describes a person, an action, or an idea that is in favour of slavery
Profound
Having or showing great knowledge
Progressive
Making use of or interested in new ideas
Proliferation
A rapid increase or growth
Prominent
Easily noticeable or distinguished
Promotional
An offer that leads to helping something build or develop
Prosperity
State of being successful or having financial good fortune
Protest
To object strongly
Publicity
An act or device designed to attract public attention