Par"ti*san (?), n. [F., fr. It. partigiano. See Party, and cf. Partisan a truncheon.] [Written also partizan.]

1.

An adherent to a party or faction; esp., one who is strongly and passionately devoted to a party or an interest.

"The violence of a partisan."

Macaulay.

Both sides had their partisans in the colony. Jefferson.

2. Mil. (a)

The commander of a body of detached light troops engaged in making forays and harassing an enemy.

(b)

Any member of such a corps.

 

© Webster 1913.


Par"ti*san, a. [Written also partizan.]

1.

Adherent to a party or faction; especially, having the character of blind, passionate, or unreasonable adherence to a party; as, blinded by partisan zeal.

2. Mil.

Serving as a partisan in a detached command; as, a partisan officer or corps.

Partisan ranger Mil., a member of a partisan corps.

 

© Webster 1913.


Par"ti*san, n. [F. pertuisane, prob. fr. It. partigiana, influenced in French by OF. pertuisier to pierce. It was prob. so named as the weapon of some partisans, or party men. Cf. Partisan one of a corps of light troops.]

A kind of halberd or pike; also, a truncheon; a staff.

And make him with our pikes and partisans a grave. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.