American \A*mer"i*can\ ([.a]*m[~e]r"[i^]*kan), a. [Named from
   Americus Vespucius.]
   1. Of or pertaining to America; as, the American continent:
      American Indians.
      
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   2. Of or pertaining to the United States. "A young officer of
      the American navy." --Lyell.
      
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   {American ivy}. See {Virginia creeper}.

   {American Party} (U. S. Politics), a party, about 1854, which
      opposed the influence of foreign-born citizens, and those
      supposed to owe allegiance to a foreign power.

   {Native american Party} (U. S. Politics), a party of
      principles similar to those of the American party. It
      arose about 1843, but soon died out.
      
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American \A*mer"i*can\ ([.a]*m[~e]r"[i^]*kan), n.
   A native of America; -- originally applied to the aboriginal
   inhabitants, but now applied to the descendants of Europeans
   born in America, and especially to the citizens of the United
   States.
   
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         The name American must always exalt the pride of
         patriotism.                              --Washington.
   
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