soldiery

[ sohl-juh-ree ]

noun

, plural sol·dier·ies

1. soldiers collectively.
2. a body of soldiers.
3. military training or skill.

soldiery

/ ˈsəʊldʒərɪ /

noun

1. soldiers collectively
2. a group of soldiers
3. the profession of being a soldier

Word History and Origins

Origin of soldiery¹

First recorded in 1560–70; soldier + -ry

Example Sentences

Now days are dragon-ridden, the nightmare Rides upon sleep: a drunken soldiery Can leave the mother, murdered at her door, To crawl in her own blood, and go scot-free.

From New York Times

My gaze was fixed without object upon the encampment, the dim figures who, an arm or a cheek caught in the distinguishing gesture of flame, huddled or moved about the mob of soldiery.

From Literature

He it was that now rode out, and with him came only a small company of black-harnessed soldiery, and a single banner, black but bearing on it in red the Evil Eye.

From Literature

He lost his wife and son to an epidemic carried by the soldiery, his royal patron was deposed, and he was excommunicated by the Lutheran Church for his uncompromising individualism on matters of doctrine.

From Literature

“A lot of people who are responsible for our laws began to realize that the American soldiery who sacrificed are still unknown and unrecognized,” Mr. Weber said.

From New York Times

Related Words

• artillery
• battalion
• command
• company
• corps
• infantry
• squad
• troops