Partisan, n.
Etymology: [F., fr. It. partigiano. See Party, and cf. Partisan a truncheon.]
[Written also partizan.]
1. An adherent to a party or faction; esp., one who is strongly and passionately devoted to a party or an interest. "The violence of a partisan." Macaulay. Both sides had their partisans in the colony. Jefferson.
2. (Mil.) (a) The commander of a body of detached light troops engaged in making forays and harassing an enemy. (b) Any member of such a corps.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Partisan, a.
1. Adherent to a party or faction; especially, having the character of blind, passionate, or unreasonable adherence to a party; as, blinded by partisan zeal.
2. (Mil.)
Serving as a partisan in a detached command; as, a partisan officer or corps. Partisan ranger (Mil.), a member of a partisan corps.
Partisan, n.
A kind of halberd or pike; also, a truncheon; a staff. And make him with our pikes and partisans a grave. Shak.