with objectTo refer (legislation, a political issue, etc.) to a popular vote; to put to a referendum. Also without object: to vote in or decide by a referendum.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Sunday Sentinel (Milwaukee, Wisconsin). Back-formation (originally humorous) from referendum.
Definition of referend in US English:
referend
verbˌrɛfəˈrɛnd
US humorous
with objectTo refer (legislation, a political issue, etc.) to a popular vote; to put to a referendum. Also without object: to vote in or decide by a referendum.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Sunday Sentinel (Milwaukee, Wisconsin). Back-formation (originally humorous) from referendum.