Infantry
/ˈɪn.fən.tri/noun
A branch of an army composed of soldiers trained to fight on foot.
Did you know?The term 'infantry' is derived from the Latin 'infans', meaning 'infant' or 'child', reflecting the idea of untrained or inexperienced soldiers, akin to the helplessness of youth.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
infans
“One who cannot speak; a child, suggesting immaturity.”
Old French
Old French
infanterie
“Foot soldiers, derived from the Latin term.”
14th Century
Middle English
infanterie
“A body of soldiers who fight on foot.”
Modern English
English
infantry
“The same, specifically referring to armed foot soldiers.”