paramilitary

(par′ə mil′ə ter′ē)

adjective

designating or of forces working along with, or in place of, a regular military organization, often as a semiofficial or secret auxiliary

Origin: para- + military

See paramilitary in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Of, relating to, or being a group of civilians organized in a military fashion, especially to operate in place of or assist regular army troops.

noun pl. par·a·mil·i·tar·ies

A member of a paramilitary force.

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