Creole

kre'ol, in Louisiana, a name applied to pure white people born in this country, but of French ancestry. The term is also applied, but less frequently, to those of Spanish blood. They are distinguished as French creoles and Spanish creoles. In a country where there are many people of mixed blood, the term is one of honor, conferring social standing. In the West Indies the creole is one of pure Spanish ancestry, as distinguished from the people of mixed blood and immigrants from other European countries. The term is also applied, but improperly, to a negro born in this country, as distinguished from those imported from Africa. Taken without modification, a Louisiana creole is a person of pure French ancestry born in this country. The traditions, aristocratic customs, and family pride of genuine creole society are well described by G. W. Cable in his Old Creole Days, The Grandissimes, The Creoles of Louisiana, and other volumes.