insurgent, a. and n.
(ɪnˈsɜːdʒənt)
[ad. L. insurgent-em, pr. pple of insurgĕre to rise up: see insurge v. and -ent. Cf. obs. F. insurgent n. (now insurgé).]
A. adj.
1. Rising in active revolt. Also fig.
| 1814 Scott Wav. xxxviii, A broad white ensign..announced that the garrison was held by the insurgent adherents of the House of Stewart. 1845 Ld. Campbell Chancellors (1857) I. vi. 112 The insurgent barons dictated whatever clauses they deemed desirable. 1847 Lewes Hist. Philos. (1867) II. 13 The insurgent mind of Abelard took up the same position. 1849 C. Brontë Shirley xi, Its electric passage left her veins kindled, her soul insurgent. |
2. Of the sea or a flood: Surging up or rushing in.
| 1849 M. Arnold Mycerinus 40 Some force..Bears earth, and heaven, and men, and gods along Like the broad volume of the insurgent Nile. 1893 N. Gale Country Muse, Requiescam, The loss..Of no more hearing rebel waves Insurgent on the shore. |
B. n. One who rises in revolt against constituted authority; a rebel who is not recognized as a belligerent.
| 1765 Falconer Demagogue 377 His sanction will dismay, And bid th' insurgents tremble and obey. 1801 Wellington Mem. Seringapatam in Gurw. Desp. (1837) I. 348 In regard to the insurgents in Malabar, the war against them cannot be carried on at all without assistance. 1812 G. Chalmers Dom. Econ. Gt. Brit. 164 [Why] it was, that the vast strength of Britain did not beat down the colonial insurgents, not in one campaign, but in three. 1851 Gallenga Italy 133 He acceded to all the immediate demands of the insurgents. |