Etymology
From Middle French infanterie, from older Italian, possibly from Spanish infantería (foot soldiers, force composed of those too inexperienced or low in rank for cavalry), from infante (foot soldier), originally a youth, either way from Latin īnfāns (child).
Noun
infantry (countable and uncountable, plural infantries)
- Soldiers who fight on foot (on land), as opposed to cavalry and other mounted units, regardless of external transport (e.g. airborne).
- (uncountable) The part of an army consisting of infantry soldiers, especially opposed to mounted and technical troops.
- A regiment of infantry.
Derived terms
- infanteer
- infantry fighting vehicle
- infantryman
- light infantry
- line infantry
- marine infantry
- mechanized infantry
- mounted infantry
- naval infantry
Related terms
- infant
Credits
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