junker

Definition

A young German noble or squire, especially a member of the aristocratic party in Prussia, stereotyped with narrow-minded militaristic and authoritarian attitudes.

Etymology

Borrowed from German Junker, from Middle High German juncherre (“young lord; not yet knighted nobleman”). Compare younker.

Example Sentences

• "Professors of philosophy and science carrying high the patriotic banner of Kultur and culture gloried in the system of compulsory, universal, military service, first made in Germany exulted in the degrading, vicious process of training by which the individual is hypnotized into submission to a brutal organization of military junkers, hallowed by the name of state and Fatherland, it was the darkest period in the history of mankind."
• "The dice are, however, weighted against them, so long as the present generation of Junkers and officials survives."