militiaman
UK: mɪˈlɪʃəmən | US: məˈlɪʃəmən
n. a member of a militia, typically a non-professional force of civilians trained as soldiers for local defense.
The word "militiaman" combines "militia," derived from Latin militia (military service or warfare), and "man," from Old English mann (person). "Militia" itself comes from Latin miles (soldier). The term originally referred to a body of citizens organized for military service, distinct from professional armies. Over time, "militiaman" specifically denoted an individual serving in such a group, emphasizing the civilian-soldier duality.
The militiaman patrolled the village borders at night.
During the revolution, every able-bodied man became a militiaman.
The militiaman carried an old rifle passed down from his grandfather.
Local militiamen were called to defend the town during the invasion.
He trained as a militiaman but never saw active combat.