(1800–59), American abolitionist. In 1859 he was executed after raiding a government arsenal at Harpers Ferry in Virginia, intending to arm black slaves and start a revolt. He became a hero of the abolitionists in the Civil War.
Definition of Brown, John in US English:
Brown, John
proper nounbrounbraʊn
(1800–59), US abolitionist. In 1859 he was executed after raiding a government arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia (later part of West Virginia), with the intention of arming slaves and starting a revolt. He became a hero of the abolitionists in the Civil War, and he is commemorated in the song “John Brown's Body.”.