Dictionary.net

the name applied first by John Hancock in 1781 to a group of leaders of Essex County, Massachusetts, and their adherents. They were upholders of the commercial interests of the country, and desired a stronger Federal Government. Upon the development of the Federal party they at once fell in line and were extreme members of that party. President Adams accused them of trying to force a war with France in 1798-99, and thus they acquired a national reputation. During the embargo period the name became a synonym for New England Federalism. Among its number were Fisher Ames, Cabot, the Lowells, Pickering, Theophilus Parsons, Higginson and Goodhue.