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Musketeer - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A musketeer is a soldier armed with a musket, historically part of infantry units in the 16th to 18th centuries. The term is also famously linked to the fictional trio in The Three Musketeers.

musketeer

/ˌmʌskəˈtɪr/ /ˌmʌskəˈtɪə/

Definition:

A soldier armed with a musket, especially in historical contexts like the French royal guard.

Synonyms:

rifleman, infantryman, guardsman, soldier

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

civilian, pacifist

Common Collocations:

royal musketeer, French musketeer, musketeer regiment

Derivatives:

musketry, musketeering

Usage Tips:

Use "musketeer" for historical soldiers; avoid for modern military contexts unless metaphorical.

Common Phrases:

"The Three Musketeers, " "all for one and one for all, " "swashbuckling musketeer"

Etymology:

From French "mousquetaire," derived from "mousquet" (musket), ultimately from Italian "moschetto."

Examples:

  • 1. The musketeer aimed his musket at the target.
  • 2. D'Artagnan dreamed of becoming a royal musketeer in France.
  • 3. The three musketeers fought bravely in the battle.
  • 4. Musketeers were key soldiers in 17th-century warfare.

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