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 regiment's saying 'Once a fusilier, always a fusilier' was demonstrated by the hundreds of veterans and colleagues lining the route from the church to Middleton Cemetery where Lee Rigby was buried.

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

Suddenly, through the smoke, Cole's fusilier brigade appeared on the right of Haughton's brigade, just as Abercrombie came up on its left.

From The Young Buglers by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)