ˈpā.trēət, -ēˌät, usu Brit ˈpa.-; usu -d.+V noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle French patriote, from Late Latin patriota, from Greek patriōtēs, from patrios of one's father, of or characteristic of one's forefathers, from patr-, patēr father — more at father
1. obsolete : a fellow countryman : compatriot
2.
a. : a person who loves his country and defends and promotes its interests ; especially : a soldier who fights for love of country
b. : an enthusiast for a cause other than national
the South's cotton patriots — Time
3. obsolete : lover , amateur
4.
a. usually capitalized : an English parliamentary faction opposed to Sir Robert Walpole especially from 1732-1742
b. : one who advocates or promotes the independence of his native soil or people from the country or union of countries of which it is a part (as a colony)
immortalized by the illustrious appellation of the patriot army — George Washington
a band of fiery patriots — D.G.Haring
c. : patrioteer
the most bloodthirsty patriots in the safest swivel chairs — Walter Lippmann
5.
a. : one who remains loyal to his country when it is occupied by an enemy
b. : a member of a resistance group