soldier

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sol·dier / ˈsōljər/ • n. 1. a person who serves in an army. ∎  (also common soldier or private soldier) a private in an army.2. Entomol. a wingless caste of ant or termite with a large specially modified head and jaws, involved chiefly in defense.• v. [intr.] serve as a soldier: [as n.] (soldiering) soldiering was what the colonel understood. ∎  (soldier on) inf. carry on doggedly; persevere: Gary wasn't enjoying this, but he soldiered on. ∎ inf. work more slowly than one's capacity; loaf or malinger: is it the reason you've been soldiering on the job? DERIVATIVES: sol·dier·ly adj.sol·dier·ship / -ˌship/ n. ( archaic ).

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