Mineur
/mɪˈnɜːr/noun
A military engineer who excavates, lays, or destroys mines.
Did you know?Mineurs were employed in siege warfare to dig tunnels beneath fortifications and collapse them by removing or burning their supports.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Latin
Latin
mina
“A subterranean excavation or mine; the ultimate source is uncertain and may involve a Celtic borrowing.”
12th Century
Old French
mine
“A mine or underground excavation.”
13th–14th Century
Old French
mineur
“A miner, especially a person working in or constructing underground mines.”
16th Century
French
mineur
“A military miner who digs tunnels or places explosive charges beneath fortifications.”
Early Modern English
English
mineur
“A military engineer specializing in siege mines.”
Modern English
English
mineur
“A historical or specialized term for a military miner.”