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

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now