Definition

Proper noun: - A historical nickname: "Old Bullion" was the nickname of a specific United States legislator, Thomas Hart Benton, who served as a U.S. Senator from Missouri. The nickname directly references his strong, unwavering advocacy for hard currency (gold and silver coin, or "bullion") and his fierce opposition to paper money and national banking systems.

Usage

• The term "Old Bullion" is used almost exclusively as a proper noun to refer to the historical figure Thomas Hart Benton. It is a epithet that encapsulates his political and economic stance.
  • The monetary policies of Old Bullion were influential in the mid-19th century.
  • Senator Thomas Hart Benton, known as "Old Bullion", argued that paper money was unstable.

Advanced Usage

• The nickname can be used metonymically to represent the political ideology of hard money and opposition to fiat currency.
  • His speeches echoed the principles of Old Bullion. (Here, "Old Bullion" represents Benton's ideology, not just the person.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bullion (noun): Precious metal (gold or silver) in bulk form, such as bars or ingots, before being coined into money.
  • The vault was filled with gold bullion.

Synonyms

• Thomas Hart Benton: The full name of the person to whom the nickname refers.
• The Hard Money Senator: A descriptive synonym highlighting his policy focus.

Notes

• "Old Bullion" is a historical nickname and is not used in contemporary general language. It is primarily encountered in historical texts, biographies, or discussions of U.S. financial history.

Noun

1. United States legislator who opposed the use of paper currency (1782-1858)