Phalangist
/fəˈlæn.dʒɪst/noun
A member or supporter of a phalanx or of a political organization called a phalanx.
Did you know?Phalangist ultimately traces back to Greek phálanx, a word for a row, line, or battle formation, which also gave English the anatomical term phalanx for the bones in your fingers and toes.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhel-
“To project, thrust, or swell; an ancient root often linked to things that stick out or jut forward.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
phálanx (φάλαγξ)
“A log, beam, or later a tight line or battle formation of soldiers.”
Late Latin
Latin
phalangista
“A member of a phalanx or phalanx-like body; a phalanx supporter.”
19th Century
French
phalangiste
“A member of a phalanx, especially in political or military usage.”
Modern English
English
phalangist
“A member or supporter of a phalanx, or of certain political groups using that name.”
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