voltigeur Definition
a soldier who is trained to fight on foot and on horseback, especially one who is part of a light infantry unit.
Using voltigeur: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "voltigeur" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The voltigeurs were known for their agility and marksmanship.
Example
The regiment's voltigeurs were sent ahead to scout the enemy's position.
Example
The French army relied heavily on its voltigeurs during the Napoleonic Wars.
voltigeur Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for voltigeur
Phrases with voltigeur
a type of soldier who is trained to move quickly and stealthily over difficult terrain, often used for reconnaissance or skirmishing
Example
The light infantry voltigeurs were sent ahead to scout the enemy's position.
a type of military cap worn by some light infantry units, typically featuring a plume or pom-pom on top
Example
The voltigeur caps of the French army were distinctive for their tall red plumes.
a subunit of a light infantry battalion consisting of soldiers trained in marksmanship and skirmishing
Example
The voltigeur company was responsible for scouting and harassing the enemy's flanks.
Origins of voltigeur
from French 'voltiger', meaning 'to flutter'
Summary: voltigeur in Brief
A 'voltigeur' [vɒltɪˈdʒəː] is a soldier who is trained to fight on foot and on horseback, particularly as part of a light infantry unit. They are known for their agility and marksmanship, and were used extensively by the French army during the Napoleonic Wars. The term extends to phrases like 'light infantry voltigeurs,' referring to soldiers trained for reconnaissance and skirmishing, and 'voltigeur cap,' a type of military cap with a distinctive plume or pom-pom.