(politics, history, chiefly US, offensive) A migrant from the Northern to the Southern States after the American Civil War of 1861–5, especially one who went South to gain political influence.

plural of carpetbagger

The practices of a carpetbagger

(derogatory) The practice of a person coming to a place or organisation with which they have no previous connection, with the sole or primary aim of personal gain, especially political or financial gain.