Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cagot

Noun

/ˈkaɡət/

Definition

A member of a historically marginalized group in France, often characterized as outcasts or social pariahs, especially in the Basque region.

Examples

The term ‘cagot’ is a reminder of the historical prejudices that once separated communities.
In certain towns, the cagots had to enter through a different door and were often denied basic rights.

Meaning

Cagots were people historically discriminated against, sometimes believed to be the descendants of a family of outcasts or lepers, and were subjected to social stigma and segregation.