Main Entry: Fe·ni·an

Pronunciation: \ˈfē-nē-ən\

Function: noun

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

Date: 1816

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

— Fe·ni·an·ism \-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun