What does it mean to be a patriot in the 1700's?

A person who possesses the patriotic spirit. In the 1700's members of the thirteen British colonies denounced the British Parliament for lack of representation and undue taxation.

during the 1700's the American Revolution was a ongoing battle between Patriots and loyalists. It was a very tough time for the Patriots at the start because they were disorganized and uncivilized (classified as rebels). Where loyalists believed that British rule was better. But it was very hard during that time to be a patriot since you were living a ongoing loss.