Soldier

A soldier is a person who has enlisted with, or has been conscripted into, the armed forces of a sovereign country and has undergone training and received equipment (such as a uniform and weapon) to defend that country or its interests. In most countries, the term soldier is limited to such people who serve in the land branch of the armed services (usually known as the army). Armies are strictly hierarchical societies, and within them, groups of soldiers are usually divided into military units of some kind.

Etymology

The word soldier is derived from an Old French word, itself a derivation of Solidarius, Latin for someone who served for pay. Solidare in Latin means "to pay" and Roman soldiers were paid in Solidi. The common origin for the words soldier and payment survives not only in French (soldat and solde) but also in other languages, like Spanish (soldado and soldada) and Dutch (soldaat and soldij).

Related Topics:
Old French - Latin - Roman - Solidi - French - Spanish - Dutch

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