trooper

Definition

A soldier of private rank in cavalry or armor.

Etymology

From troop + -er, from French troupe. The sense of “one who endures adversity” comes from trouper (“member of an acting troupe”) but through assimilation with the sense of “soldier” has come to be usually spelled “trooper”.

Example Sentences

• "She was built by William Denny & Bros. Ltd., and launched in 1939, but went immediately on active service as a trooper."
• "He was a real trooper about taking care of the kids for the weekend."
• "Because his father and brothers were in the department, he had to be. She knew he was never really comfortable with the job but still he did it like a trooper."

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