miles gloriosus

noun

mi·​les glo·​ri·​o·​sus ˈmē-ˌlās-ˌglȯr-ē-ˈō-səs How to pronounce miles gloriosus (audio)
: a boastful soldier
especially : a stock character of this type in comedy

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of miles gloriosus was circa 1576

Dictionary Entries Near miles gloriosus

Cite this Entry

“Miles gloriosus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miles%20gloriosus. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on miles gloriosus

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!