commando

(kə man′dō, -män′-)

Historical
1. in South Africa, a force of Boer troops
2. a raid or expedition made by such troops
1. a small raiding force trained to operate inside territory held by the enemy
2. a member of such a group

Origin: Afrik < Port, lit., party commanded < commandar, to govern, command < VL *commandare, command

See commando in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. com·man·dos or com·man·does

a. A small fighting force specially trained for making quick destructive raids against enemy-held areas.
b. A member of such a force.
a. An organized force of Boer troops in South Africa.
b. A raid made by such a force.

Origin:

Origin: Afrikaans kommando

Origin: , from Dutch commando, unit of troops

Origin: , from Spanish comando

Origin: , from comandar, to command

Origin: , from Late Latin commandāre; see command

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