colorum

plural colorums

1. PhilippinesA rebel organization characterized by religious fanaticism.

   Historically, the first colorums in the Philippines were the survivors of Apolinario de la Cruz' Religious Revolt (1840-41), who fled to Mounts Banahaw and San Cristobal, situated between the Quezon (Tayabas) and Laguna Provinces, and settled in their caves and cool riverbanks.

   1979, Gregorio F. Zaide, The Pageant of Philippine History

2. PhilippinesA member of such a group.

   The colorums believed that one day he would rule the Philippines. When this came to pass, the property of all those who were not colorums would be confiscated and apportioned among the members. Like other colorums elsewhere, the Surigao group believed themselves invulnerable to the enemy's bullets.

   1975, Renato Constantino, The Philippines: A Past Revisited, page 350

3. PhilippinesfigurativelyA public transport vehicle operating without a franchise, or in violation of it.

   "[...] it is clear that they have broken those rules grossly, putting at risk the tens of thousands of TNVs without PA or franchise to commit colorum activities,” said LTFRB Chairman Martin B. Delgra III.

   2017 July 18, “Uber, Grab broke the rules by tolerating colorums - LTFRB”, in Manila Bulletin

   1 more example

   It does not mean, however, that out of the twelve thousand estimated colorum vehicles we have now in Manila have been reduced by four thousand. As long as the colorum operators take the risk of operating illegally on our thoroughfares, ...

   1982, Land transportation: proceedings of the First Institute on Transportation, 1980, University of the Philippines. Law Center