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.

-- 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.