condottiere
9.9
A leader of hired soldiers in Renaissance Italy
- noun
- /kɒnˈdɒtiˌɛr/
- Archaic
:
condotiero
- The ambitions of the Venetian Doge and his condottieri put Venice on a collision course with the leading power in northern Italy, the Dutchie of Milan.
Examples
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As a condottiere, he was known for his ability to command loyalty and respect from his troop of soldiers.
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From recent history, there were the condottieri, who rose to power from ancient myths, our men the irresistible demigod Hercules.
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And for Italy's condottieri, war wasn't about glory or conquest.
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The condottiere led his mercenaries into battle, showcasing his strategic skills and bravery.
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Many famous condottieri played crucial roles in the conflicts of Renaissance Italy, often changing the course of history.
How Powerful
Surface Forms
condottiere singular
condottieri plural
Etymology
Condottiere comes from the Italian word condotta ('contract'); a condottiere was a leader of hired soldiers who fought under a written contract in Renaissance Italy, so the word names that kind of military leader.