subs. (political).—A vote secured by the purchase of property under mortgage, or otherwise, so as to constitute a nominal qualification without a substantial basis. [Derived by some from FAGGOT, sense 3; by others from the mode of manufacture, i.e., by the purchase of property which is divided into as many lots as will constitute separate votes, and given to different persons.]
1854. Notes and Queries, vol. X., p. 403. FAGGOT-VOTE.—Can you inform me of the origin of the term used to denote a spurious or fictitious vote, formed usually by the nominal transfer of a sufficient qualification to an otherwise unqualified man; this is called a FAGGOT VOTE.
1879. GLADSTONE, First Midlothian Speech, 25 Nov. Why, gentlemen, quite apart from every question of principle, nothing, I venture to say, can be so grossly imprudent as that which is familiarly known in homely but most accurate phrase as the manufacture of FAGGOT VOTES.
1887. Cornhill Magazine, June, p. 627. FAGGOT VOTES … the name is probably taken from an old military term.
