Mercenary
/ˈmɜːrsənɛri/
Definitions
- (n.) A professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army, often motivated by personal gain rather than allegiance to a nation.
The country hired mercenaries to bolster its military forces during the conflict.
Forms
- mercenary
- mercenaries
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal contexts, mercenaries are often distinguished from lawful combatants, impacting their rights and protections under international humanitarian law.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.