Forms: 7–8 fuzil(l)eer, (7 fuseleer, phusilier), 8–9 fusileer, (8 fuzeleer), 7– fusilier. [a. F. fusilier, f. fusil FUSIL2.] Originally, a soldier armed with a fusil (see FUSIL2). In the British army, the designation of ‘Fusiliers’ is still retained by certain regiments (at present ten) which are distinguished from the other regiments of the line only by wearing a kind of busby and by some small peculiarities of costume.
1680. Eng. Milit. Discipl., IV. 132. The Fusiliers have for Arms the Sword, the Bayonet, and Fusil or Fire-lock.
1686. Lond. Gaz., No. 2135/1. His Majesties Company of Fuseleers of this City, Commanded by Captain Graham.
1753. Hanway, Trav. (1762), I. VII. xciii. 429. Some of the fuzileers, who are smaller bodied men, have their arms proportioned.
1813. Examiner, 26 April, 272/2. Lieut. Brownson, of his Majesty’s 23d Regiment Royal Welch Fusileers.
1858. J. B. Norton, Topics, 128. Her [Madras] illustrious Fusiliers … have been dispatched bodily to Calcutta.
attrib. 1802. C. James, Milit. Dict., s.v. All officers belonging to fusileer corps have two epaulettes.
1868. Regul. & Ord. Army, ¶ 854. All grenadier and fusilier Regiments are … to march to the tune of the British Grenadiers.
