Dictionary entry

Militant

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Mil″i‐tant (?), a. [L. militans, -antis, p. pr. of militare to be soldier: cf. F. militant. See Militate.] Engaged in warfare; fighting; combating; serving as a soldier. — Mil″i‐tant‐ly, adv.

At which command the powers militant...

Moved on in silence. Milton.

Church militant, the Christian church on earth, which is supposed to be engaged in a constant warfare against its enemies, and is thus distinguished from the church triumphant, in heaven.