term:

Gerrymander

gerrymander n

[Elbridge Gerry (1744-1814) + salamander; from the shape of an election district formed during Gerry's governorship of Massachusetts]
1 : the act or method of gerrymandering
2 : a district or pattern of districts varying greatly in size or population as a result of gerrymandering
vt -dered
-der·ing
1 : to divide (a territorial unit) into election districts to give one political party an electoral majority in a large number of districts while concentrating the voting strength of the opposition in as few districts as possible
2 : to divide (an area) into political units to give special advantages to one group [ a school district]

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.