militia

American  

[mi-lish-uh] / mɪˈlɪʃ ə /

noun

1. a body of citizens enrolled for military service, and called out periodically for drill but serving full time only in emergencies.

2. a body of citizen soldiers as distinguished from professional soldiers.

3. all able-bodied males considered by law eligible for military service.

4. a body of citizens organized in a paramilitary group and typically regarding themselves as defenders of individual rights against the presumed interference of the federal government.

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militia British  

/ mɪˈlɪʃə /

noun

1. a body of citizen (as opposed to professional) soldiers

2. an organization containing men enlisted for service in emergency only

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Etymology

Origin of militia

1580–90; < Latin mīlitia soldiery, equivalent to mīlit- (stem of mīles ) soldier + -ia -ia

Example Sentences

The prosecution says their motive was Franco's opposition to plans that would have "legalized" land illegally seized by militias that control large parts of the city.

From Barron's

In a statement on Sunday, Sudan's foreign ministry said: "The Sudanese government condemns in the strongest terms the Ugandan government's reception... of rebel leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the terrorist militia."

From BBC

"There is no place for militias, no matter where they come from."

From Barron's

The offensive saw major successes against the insurgents, but locals like Hersi say the militias that replaced them proved to be even worse.

From Barron's

Waving red flags emblazoned with the yellow and black crest of the KLA, crowds chanted the militia's name as they marched through Pristina's downtown.

From Barron's