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poilu

noun
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poi·​lu | \ pwäl-ˈyü How to pronounce poilu (audio) , pwä-ˈlü; ˈpwäl-ˌyü, ˈpwä-ˌlü; pwä-ˈlᵫ How to pronounce poilu (audio) \

Definition of poilu

: a French soldier especially : a front-line soldier in World War I

First Known Use of poilu

1914, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for poilu

French, from poilu hairy, from Middle French, from poil hair, from Old French peil, Latin pilus

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Dictionary Entries Near poilu

poil

poilu

poimenics

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Cite this Entry

“Poilu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poilu. Accessed 1 Jul. 2022.

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