dog soldier

noun

1
: a member of one of the war societies of the Cheyenne
2
: a U.S. cavalryman in the period of the Plains Indian wars
3
slang : soldier, dogface

Word History

Etymology

translation of Cheyenne Hotámitäniu

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dog soldier was in 1846

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near dog soldier

Cite this Entry

“Dog soldier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dog%20soldier. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!