Besant Annie Wood

Bes·ant

 (bĕz′ənt), Annie Wood 1847-1933.

British reformer noted for her vigorous support for socialism, women's rights, birth control, and trade unionism. Through her involvement with the Theosophical Society, she became interested in the cause of Indian independence and moved to India, where she founded the Home Rule League (1916) and served as president of the Indian National Congress (1917).

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.