Fenian

noun

Fe·​ni·​an ˈfē-nē-ən How to pronounce Fenian (audio)
1
: a member of a legendary band of warriors defending Ireland in the second and third centuries a.d.
2
: a member of a secret 19th century Irish and Irish-American organization dedicated to the overthrow of British rule in Ireland
Fenian adjective
Fenianism
ˈfē-nē-ə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce Fenian (audio)
noun

Word History

Etymology

Fen- (probably in part from Middle Irish Féni freeholders, legendary settlers of Ireland, in part from Irish fiann, genitive singular féinne band of warriors) + -ian

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Fenian was in 1786

Dictionary Entries Near Fenian

Feng Yü-hsiang

Fenian

fenig

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Fenian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Fenian. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Fenian

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Fenian

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