Partisan | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Pār'ti·sān', n.

noun

(110), n. [Fr. partisan, from Fr. parti, a party; It. partigiano.] [Written also partizan.]

An adherent to a party or faction; one who is violently and passionately devoted to a party or interest.
(Mil.) (a.) The commander of a corps of light troops designed to surprise the enemy, and carry on a desultory warfare. (b.) Any member of such a corps.

☞ The term is also sometimes applied, by way of distinction, to a person able in commanding a party, or dexterous in obtaining intelligence, intercepting convoys, or otherwise annoying an enemy.

Pär'ti-săn', n.

noun

n. [Fr. pertuisane, from O. Fr. pertuiser, to pierce; Sp. partesana, It. partigiana.] A kind of halbert; a truncheon; a staff.

The jolly priest twirled his heavy partisan round his head. W. Scott.

Pär'ti-sān', a.

adjective

a. 1. Adherent to a party or faction; appropriate to one who is unreasonably devoted to his party or interest; as, partisan efforts; partisan feelings.

Sense 2. (Mil.) Engaged in irregular warfare on outposts; as, a partisan officer or corps.

Partisan ranger (Mil.), a member of a partisan corps; a partisan.