Given that the Senate filibuster is a top-of-the-mind and top-of-the-news story, I thought it might be interesting to see its dictionary meaning and etymology. First, its meaning:
1. U.S. Politics.
a. the use of irregular or obstructive tactics by a member of a legislative assembly to prevent the adoption of a measure generally favored or to force a decision against the will of the majority.
b. an exceptionally long speech, as one lasting for a day or days, or a series of such speeches to accomplish this purpose.
c. a member of a legislature who makes such a speech.
2. an irregular military adventurer, especially one who engages in an unauthorized military expedition into a foreign country to foment or support a revolution.
Now, it origin:
from Spanish filibustero, from French flibustier probably from Dutch vrijbuiter pirate, literally: one plundering freely
Related to freebooter: a person who goes about in search of plunder; pirate; buccaneer.
Just an FYI, if you will, but perfectly describes what a filibuster does (“force a decision against the will of the majority”) and the type of person who might use it. Now Mr. Smith (James Stewart) above and other high-minded Senators could use it as a tool to buy time in a last ditch effort to change minds. But now is just freebooters who are putting it to use as a tool to obstruct the will of the majority.