Definition: Meaning of, Brown, John in English to English dictionary.
Pronunciation:/ braʊn /
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(1800-59) a US ABOLITIONIST (= someone who worked to end slavery) who tried to use violence to end slavery. With followers, he took over a government weapons establishment at Harper's Ferry, Virginia. He was caught and hanged for TREASON, During the AMERICAN CIVIL WAR, a song called John Brown's Body became popular in the North. The song is still well known and contains the words John Brown's body lies a-mouldering in the grave,/But his soul goes marching on.