light infantry

American  

noun

1. foot soldiers with lightweight weapons and minimal field equipment.

2. infantry units with a minimal number of crew-served weapons and other supporting equipment.

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Etymology

Origin of light infantry

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

He had lost his right leg while on duty with the paramilitary light infantry force, which patrols Thailand's borders.

From BBC • Nov. 27, 2023

They intend to add M-10 battalions to their light infantry brigade combat teams, including airborne units.

From Washington Times • Jun. 17, 2023

Under the new Army plan, the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, now based in Alaska, would be converted to a light infantry brigade.

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2022

In 2017, a woman was accepted into the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, an elite light infantry unit under the Joint Special Operations Command.

From New York Times • Jul. 9, 2020

This he found crowded with light infantry and grenadier companies, all in full battle dress.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes