rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymilitiaCivilian fighting force
noun

militia

muh-LISH-uh/məˈlɪʃə/

An armed group of civilians organized for military purposes.

The militia gathers civilian volunteers with safely lowered rifles.

Contemporary civilian local defense volunteers in ordinary workwear with safely lowered unmarked rifles.
Etymology
militiaLatinmilitary service, warfare

The Latin noun named military service rather than a particular army. English later used it for a citizen force, whose members could be called into service for emergencies rather than serving as regular soldiers.

In context

Crossroads of Epochs19:07
Defending the island was some 700 knights and a few thousand mercenaries and local militia. The odds were not just long, they were impossible.
HOSPITALLERS: Forswearing the Oath? From Monks to Pirates.

More examples

  • The town formed a militia.
  • Several militias operated in the region.
  • The militia trained outside the village.

Forms

militia · militias

Similar words

army
Usually a country's organized military force.
reserve
Often an official force available to supplement regular troops.