fusilier

American  

[fyoo-zuh-leer] / ˌfyu zəˈlɪər /

Or fusileer

noun

1. a member of a British regiment formerly armed with fusils.

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fusilier British  

/ ˌfjuːzɪˈlɪə /

noun

1. (formerly) an infantryman armed with a light musket

2. Also: fusileer. 

   1. a soldier, esp a private, serving in any of certain British or other infantry regiments

   2. ( pl; cap. when part of a name )

      the Royal Welch Fusiliers

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Etymology

Origin of fusilier

From French, dating back to 1670–80; see origin at fusil ¹, -ier ²

Example Sentences

But the fusilier was not satisfied with the response.

From New York Times • Mar. 22, 2024

Mr Cameron has insisted the government takes the threat from extremism in all walks of society very seriously, pointing out that he launched the Extremism Taskforce after the murder of fusilier Lee Rigby last year.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2014

The funeral service for the fusilier from Middleton killed outside his army barracks in Woolwich tool place in Bury followed by a private committal at Middleton Cemetery.

From BBC • Jul. 12, 2013

I do, however, have a strong conviction that... in creating a single battalion fusilier regiment we are not best serving defence, the Army... or the Regiment.

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2012

The infantry were—the second battalion of the grenadier guards, the second battalion of the Coldstream guards, the second battalion of the fusilier guards, and the forty-seventh regiment.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine — Volume 56, No. 345, July, 1844 by Various