Dictionary

burke

verb \ˈbərk\
burkedburk·ing

Definition of BURKE

transitive verb
1
:  to suppress quietly or indirectly <burke an inquiry>
2
:  bypass, avoid <burke an issue>
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Origin of BURKE

from burke to suffocate, from William Burke †1829 Irish criminal executed for smothering victims to sell their bodies for dissection
First Known Use: 1829

Burke

biographical name \ˈbərk\

Definition of BURKE

Edmund 1729–1797 British statesman & orator
Burk·ean or Burk·ian \ˈbər-kē-ən\ adjective

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