Mĭl'i-tant, a.

a. [Lat. militans, p. pr. of militare, to be a soldier; Fr. militant, It. & Sp. militante. See MILITATE.] Engaged in warfare; fighting; combating; serving as a soldier.

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.