An independent-minded person who does not conform to accepted opinions or practices; a nonconformist. Originally referred to unbranded cattle, it now describes someone who acts independently of group thinking.
Named after Samuel Maverick, a 19th-century Texas rancher who refused to brand his cattle. Other ranchers could identify their own branded cattle, so any unbranded cow was called a 'maverick.' The meaning extended to describe any independent, uncontrolled person.
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