subs. (popular).—Formerly an African captive on board a slaver; now generally understood as referring to a Polynesian indentured labourer, who, if not by name a slave, is often one to all intents and purposes. Hence BLACK-BIRDER = a slave (or coolie) hunting vessel; and, as verb. = To capture negroes or Polynesians; to kidnap.
1881. Chequered Career, 180. The white men on board knew that if once the BLACKBIRDS burst the hatches … they would soon master the ship.
1883. Graphic, April 21, 398, col. 1. The day is not far distant when, to avoid BLACKBIRDING, and the revengeful massacres which these kidnappers provoke, the whole of Oceania will have to be placed under civilised control.
1883. All the Year Round, 22 Sept., 355. BLACKBIRDERS, the kidnappers for labour purposes on the islands of the Pacific.
1883. Academy, 8 Sept., 158. [He] slays Bishop Patteson by way of reprisal for the atrocities of some BLACKBIRDING crew.
1884. Pall Mall Gazette, 19 Aug. 2, col. 2. Years ago BLACKBIRDING scoundrels may have hailed from Fiji.
