Fenian

1 of 2

noun (1)

Fe·​ni·​an ˈfē-nē-ən 

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 

noun

Fenianism

2 of 2

noun (2)

Fe·​nian·​ism -əˌnizəm 

plural -s

: the principles and practices of the Fenians

embers of the old Fenianism were quickened into flame

—Manchester Guardian Weekly

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Noun (1)

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Fenian

• armenian
• sardinian
• slovenian
• tyrrhenian
• magdalenian