The Women's Christian Temperance Union (W.C.T.U.) was a social and political movement that began in the United States in 1874. The organization was founded by women who wanted to promote temperance, or abstinence from alcohol, and to advocate for other social reforms. Members of the W.C.T.U. were known as 'drys, ' which is the answer to the crossword clue. The W.C.T.U. was active in the United States until the early 20th century and had a significant impact on the temperance movement.