Fenian

American  

[fee-nee-uhn, feen-yuhn] / ˈfi ni ən, ˈfin jən /

noun

1. a member of an Irish revolutionary organization founded in New York in 1858, which worked for the establishment of an independent Irish republic.

2. (in late Irish legends) a member of a group of warriors always ready to defend Ireland against its enemies.

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Fenian British  

/ ˈfiːnɪən /

noun

1. (formerly) a member of an Irish revolutionary organization founded in the US in the 19th century to fight for an independent Ireland

2. Irish myth one of the Fianna

3. derogatory an Irish Catholic or a person of Irish Catholic descent

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adjective

1. of or relating to the Fenians

Other Word Forms

• Fenianism
  noun

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

Joining Galligan is Niamh McCormack, whose character is part of the rebellious Fenian Brotherhood, and Jack Gleeson, who is best known for playing Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones.

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2025

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

Top rivals, Rite Regal and Fenian Faith, exit strong races but haven’t shown the same consistency over the past two years as Corona B Gone, a five-time winner in 2018.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 31, 2019

Remember, Lady Sibyl's Fenian nuptials were also denied to us.

From Slate • Jan. 14, 2013

Small wonder that during the Fenian dynamite scare of 1867 the place was watched day and night by a guard of soldiers.

From Highways and Byways in Cambridge and Ely by Conybeare, Edward