Sōl'dier, n.

(sōl'jer, 77), n. [O. Eng. souldier, soldiar, souder, O. Fr. soldier, soldoier, soldeier, sodoier, soudoier, soudeer, soudier, Pr. soldier, soldadier, soudadier, sodadier, Sp. soldado, It. soldato, N. Fr. & Ger. soldat, from Lat. solidus, a piece of money, the pay of a soldier. See SOLD.] 1. One who is engaged in military service as an officer or private; one who serves in the army; one of an organized body of combatants. I am a soldier, and unapt to weep. Shak.

2. Especially, a private in military service, as distinguished from an officer; as, a militia soldier.
3. A brave warrior; a man of military experience and skill, or a man of distinguished valor; — used by way of emphasis or distinction. Shak.