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Glite Dictionary
franc-tireur

franc-tireur

9.9
Person who fights without being in the army, often shooting from hiding places
  • noun
  • /frɑ̃k tiˈrɜr/
  • Archaic
translation icon : francotirador
  • During the Franco-Prussian War, many franc-tireurs harassed enemy supply lines.

Examples

  • The army had difficulty distinguishing between villagers and franc-tireurs operating in the area.

  • The franc-tireur aimed carefully before firing.

  • After being captured, the franc-tireur was treated as an enemy combatant.

  • During the war, many franc-tireurs fought bravely.

  • During the Franco-Prussian War, many franc-tireurs harassed enemy supply lines.

  • After being captured, the franc-tireur was treated as an enemy combatant.

  • The army had difficulty distinguishing between villagers and franc-tireurs operating in the area.

Synonyms

maquis
vsfranc-tireur
  • Archaic
9 9.9

A person who fights against the German army in France during World War II

is a historical irregular combatant active beyond WWII and not only underground

Surface Forms

franc-tireur singular
franc-tireurs plural

Etymology

Franc-tireur comes from French: franc means 'free' and tireur means 'shooter', so it literally means 'free shooter'. It was used for fighters who were not part of the regular army, which is why it now refers to an irregular sharpshooter or guerrilla fighter.