a party in Britain, opposite to the tories, from whom they differ chiefly in their political principles. See TORIES.

The names of whig and tory were not known till about the middle of the reign of Charles II. when these were given as party distinctions. These parties may be considered either with regard to the state, or to religion. The state tories are either violent, or moderate; the first would have the king to be absolute, and therefore plead for passive obedience, non-resistance, and the hereditary right of the house of Stewart. The moderate tories would not suffer the king to lose any of his prerogative; but then they would not sacrifice those of the people. The state whigs are either strong republicans, or moderate ones. The first, says Rapin, are the remains of the party of the long parliament, who attempted to change monarchy to a commonwealth: but these make so slender a figure, that they only serve to strengthen the party of the other whigs. The tories would persuade the world, that all the whigs are of this kind; as the whigs would make us believe that all the tories are violent. The moderate state-whigs are much in the same sentiments with the moderate tories, and desire that the government may be maintained on the ancient foundation: all the difference is, that the first bear a little more to the parliament and people, and the latter to that of the king. In short, the old whigs were always jealous of the encroachments of the royal prerogative, and watchful over the preservation of the liberties and properties of the people.