condottiere
[kawn-duh-tyair-ey, -tyair-ee; Italian kawn-dawt-tye-re]
- a leader of a private band of mercenary soldiers in Italy, especially in the 14th and 15th centuries.
- any mercenary; soldier of fortune.
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Origin of condottiere
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for condottiere
Historical Examples of condottiere
The veteran Condottiere himself was no longer so scrupulous.
The History of PendennisWilliam Makepeace Thackeray
"The Condottiere" represents the fighting spirit of the Middle Ages.
Watts (1817-1904)William Loftus Hare
The Condottiere burst into a roar of laughter so violent that he had to lean against the mud wall, and hold his sides.
The Armourer's PrenticesCharlotte M. Yonge
Seeing that the indignation of her mistress merely amused the condottiere the dwarf took a cajoling tone.
Romance of Roman VillasElizabeth W. (Elizbeth Williams) Champney
Henry of Navarre shall in reality be nothing but your condottiere, and I will not be exigeante.
Romance of Roman VillasElizabeth W. (Elizbeth Williams) Champney
condottiere
- a commander or soldier in a professional mercenary company in Europe from the 13th to the 16th centuries
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Word Origin for condottiere
C18: from Italian, from condotto leadership, from condurre to lead, from Latin condūcere; see conduct
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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