Mil"i*tant (?), a. [L. militans, -antis, p. pr. of militare to be soldier: cf. F. militant. See Militate.]
Engaged in warfare; fighting; combating; serving as a soldier.
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Mil"i*tant*ly, adv.
At which command the powers militant...
Moved on in silence.
Milton.
Church militant, the Christian church on earth, which is supposed to be engaged in a constant warfare against its enemies, and is thus distinguished from the church triumphant, in heaven.
© Webster 1913.