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White Cap noun A member of a self-appointed group in Sevier Co TN who in the 1890's attempted to enforce public order and morality by intimidating or punishing alleged offenders. Sworn to secrecy and active at night, they were so called from their white hoods. Their excesses led to formation of the officially sanctioned Blue Bills to counter them. [Editor’s note: this group had no affiliation or relation to the Ku Klux Klan, nor did it target members of any specific minority or ethnic group.]

1899 Crozier White-Caps 7 A few good citizens of Sevier county, desirous of ridding the county of a certain lawless element, and disgruntled at the dilatoriness of legal methods, determined to take the law into their own hands, and by summary punishment eradicate the crime or exterminate the criminal. This desire led to the formation of the order called “White-caps.” The object of this organization made it popular with some of the better element, who aided and abetted the movement. But, lawless in its inception, it was soon dominated by the lawless element against which it was formed. The good citizens, instead of restoring law and order, became the servants and tools of disorder and mob violence. After two years of white-capism, another organization was formed to “down” the “White-caps,” called “Blue Bills.” Ibid. 85 White-capping in Sevier county first began in Emert’s Cove, but ceased as abruptly as it began. 1939 Hall Coll (Copeland Creek TN) They was scared to death about the White Caps, so they got in under the floor in the cellar, and they stayed there ... I never did say anything about this at all till after the White Caps was done put out. The Blue Bills cut them out.  1989 Trent Sequel to Lore 77 In 1892, there was formed a secret organization of church members known as the “White Caps.” Their intended purpose was to rid the community of prostitution, gamblers, and bootleggers by placing a bundle of switches at their door. The organization was soon infiltrated by hoodlums and criminals who terrorized [Sevier County TN] with a series of beatings, murders, and robberies, until by a special act of the Tennessee Legislature and the appointment of a fearless judge and prosecutor from adjoining Knox County. The ring was broken up in 1896.