Patriot

(Synop., § 130), n. [Fr. patriote, Sp. patriota, It. patriota, patriotto, from Gr. πατριώτης, a fellow-countryman, from πάτριος, established by forefathers, from πατήρ, father. Cf. Lat. patria (sc. terra), one's native country, from patrius, belonging to a father, from pater, father; L. Lat. patriota, a native.] A person who loves his country, and zealously supports and defends it and its interests. “Such tears as patriots shed for dying laws.” Pope.