conscientious objector

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conscientious objector a person who for reasons of conscience refuses to conform to the requirements of law, especially one who objects to serving in the armed forces. The term is recorded from the late 19th century, but came to prominence with national conscription in the First World War, when those claiming to be conscientious objectors had to establish their status before a tribunal; the derogatory shortening conchy dates from this period.

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