fusilier

[fyoo-zuh-leer] /ˌfyu zəˈlɪər/
noun
1.
a member of a British regiment formerly armed with fusils.
Also, fusileer.
Origin
1670-80; < French; see fusil1, -ier2
British Dictionary definitions for fusilier

fusilier

/ˌfjuːzɪˈlɪə/
noun
1.
(formerly) an infantryman armed with a light musket
2.
Also fusileer
  1. a soldier, esp a private, serving in any of certain British or other infantry regiments
  2. (pl; cap. when part of a name): the Royal Welch Fusiliers
Word Origin
C17: from French; see fusil1
Word Origin and History for fusilier
n.

1670s, "soldier armed with a musket," from French fusilier, from Old French fusil "musket," earlier "steel for a tinderbox," from Vulgar Latin *focilis (petra) "(stone) producing fire," from Latin focus "hearth," in Vulgar Latin "fire" (see focus (n.)). Retained by certain regiments of the British army that were formerly armed with fusils.