condottiere

[ kawn-duh-tyair-ey, -tyair-ee; Italian kawn-dawt-tye-re ]

noun

, plural con·dot·tie·ri [kawn-d, uh, -, tyair, -ee, kawn-dawt-, tye, -, r, ee].

1. a leader of a private band of mercenary soldiers in Italy, especially in the 14th and 15th centuries.
2. any mercenary; soldier of fortune.

condottiere

/ ˌkɒndɒˈtjɛərɪ /

noun

1. a commander or soldier in a professional mercenary company in Europe from the 13th to the 16th centuries

Word History and Origins

Origin of condottiere¹

1785–95; < Italian, equivalent to condott ( o ) (< Latin conductus hired man, past participle of condūcere to conduce; conduct ) + -iere < Latin -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of condottiere¹

C18: from Italian, from condotto leadership, from condurre to lead, from Latin condūcere; see conduct

Example Sentences

Meeting with the band of Oldrado Sampuynano, the Condottiere, she enlisted under his banner.

From Project Gutenberg

He's a species of condottiere; we can buy his allegiance with his service: and we must forego the sentimental objection.

From Project Gutenberg

But he was really little more than a condottiere, and his orthodoxy was suspect.

From Project Gutenberg

Seeing that the indignation of her mistress merely amused the condottiere the dwarf took a cajoling tone.

From Project Gutenberg

Henry of Navarre shall in reality be nothing but your condottiere, and I will not be exigeante.

From Project Gutenberg