Fenian
Americannoun
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a member of an Irish revolutionary organization founded in New York in 1858, which worked for the establishment of an independent Irish republic.
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(in late Irish legends) a member of a group of warriors always ready to defend Ireland against its enemies.
noun
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(formerly) a member of an Irish revolutionary organization founded in the US in the 19th century to fight for an independent Ireland
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Irish myth one of the Fianna
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derogatory an Irish Catholic or a person of Irish Catholic descent
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of Fenian
1810–20; < Irish f éinne (genitive of fiann band of Fenians) + -ian; influenced by Old Irish f éne ancient inhabitant of Ireland
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The album Fenian dropped earlier this month and could be the first ever number one album on the UK charts for the trio, known as Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí.
From BBC ● May 8, 2026
Parnell had little interest in politics until, in 1867, three Fenian volunteers were publicly hanged for a murder they had not committed.
From New York Times ● Jul. 16, 2021
I suggest keying Fenian Faith in exotics with #1 Conquering Marie, #8 Thermonuclear Energy and #9 Matilda Czech.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 23, 2019
Remember, Lady Sibyl's Fenian nuptials were also denied to us.
From Slate ● Jan. 14, 2013
You will have received before this the Fenian squib.
From Charles Lever, His Life in His Letters, Vol. II by Edmund Downey
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