In the political tradition of some English-speaking countries, the term Tory may refer to a variety of political parties and creeds since it was originally used in the late 17th century to describe opponents to the Whigs. History of the term The term, derived from Tóraidhe, was originally used to refer to an Irish outlaw, then applied to English Catholic supporters of James II, and later often applied to any Confederate or Royalist in arms. English and British Tories from the time of the… (More on Tories)