Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A surname of historical significance: "Wilkes" primarily refers to individuals with this surname who were notable figures in history, particularly in exploration and political reform.

Usage

• As a proper noun referring to a person: The word "Wilkes" is used to identify specific historical figures. It is typically preceded by a title like "Charles" or "John" and functions as a last name.
  • The expedition was led by Charles Wilkes.
  • John Wilkes was a controversial figure in 18th-century Britain.

Advanced Usage

• "Wilkes Land": A region of Antarctica named after the explorer Charles Wilkes.
  • The research station is located in Wilkes Land.

Variants and Related Words

• Wilkesian (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of John Wilkes or his political principles.
  • The pamphlet was written in a Wilkesian style of protest.

Different Meanings / Contexts

1. Historical Figure - Exploration:

   • Refers specifically to Charles Wilkes (1798-1877), a U.S. Navy officer who commanded an exploring expedition to Antarctica and the Pacific.
   • Wilkes' expedition charted numerous islands.

2. Historical Figure - Politics:

   • Refers specifically to John Wilkes (1727-1797), an English journalist, politician, and radical reformer known for his conflict with King George III and advocacy for free speech and American colonial rights.
   • Wilkes was expelled from Parliament for his writings.

Synonyms

• Explorer (for Charles Wilkes): navigator, surveyor.
• Reformer (for John Wilkes): radical, libertarian, polemicist.

Related Idioms / Phrases

• "Wilkes and Liberty": A popular slogan used by supporters of John Wilkes during his political campaigns in the 1760s.
  • The crowd chanted "Wilkes and Liberty" outside Parliament.

Noun

1. United States explorer of Antarctica (1798-1877)
2. English reformer who published attacks on George III and supported the rights of the American colonists (1727-1797)