partisans

Noun (1)

partisan (plural partisans)

1. An adherent to a party or faction.
   • "Strong partisans of neither party, Indiana farmers failed to act as a block […]"1992, Thomas R. Pegram, Partisans and Progressives: Private Interest and Public Policy in Illinois

   Synonyms:

   partyman

2. A fervent, sometimes militant, supporter or proponent of a party, cause, faction, person, or idea.
3. A member of a band of detached light, irregular troops acting behind occupying enemy lines in the ways of harassment or sabotage; a guerrilla fighter.
4. (archaic) The commander of a body of detached light troops engaged in making forays and harassing an enemy.

Noun (2)

partisan (plural partisans)

1. (historical) A long-handled spear with a triangular, double-edged blade having lateral projections, in some forms also used in boar hunting.
   • I had as lief have a reed that will do me no service as a partisan I could not heave.c. 1606–1607 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Anthonie and Cleopatra”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard...
2. (obsolete) A soldier armed with such a weapon.

See all 9 meanings of partisan