Definition of: filibuster

(fil′ə·bus′tər) noun
1. U.S. A member of a legislative body who attempts to obstruct legislation by prolonged speaking to consume time; hence, any such prolonged speech.
2. A freebooter or buccaneer; pirate.
3. An adventurer who takes part in an unlawful military expedition into a foreign country.
—v.i.
1. U.S. To obstruct legislation by long speeches and constant delay.
2. To act as a freebooter or adventurer.
—v.t.
3. U.S. To block passage of (legislation) by constant delay. [<Sp. filibustero <Du. vrijbuiter freebooter]
—fil′i·bus′ter·er noun
—fil′i·bus′trous adjective