partisan

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An adherent to a party or faction.

   "Strong partisans of neither party, Indiana farmers failed to act as a block […]"

2. 2
   adj

   Serving as commander or member of a body of detached light troops.

   partisan officer, partisan corps

3. 3
   adj

   Adherent to a party or faction; especially, having the character of blind, passionate, or unreasonable adherence to a party.

   They were blinded by partisan zeal.

4. 4
   adj

   Devoted to or biased in support of a party, group, or cause.

   partisan politics

5. 5
   noun

   A long-handled spear with a triangular, double-edged blade having lateral projections, in some forms also used in boar hunting.

   I had as lief have a reed that will do me no service as a partisan I could not heave.

6. 6
   adj

   devoted to a cause or party

7. 7
   noun

   a pike with a long tapering double-edged blade with lateral projections

8. 8
   noun

   an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of some person or activity

Etymology

From French partizaine, from Middle French partizaine, partisanne etc., from Italian partigiana, related to Etymology 1 above (apparently because it was seen as a typical weapon of such forces).