Fenian

noun

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

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

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1