Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The military forces of the Confederate States of America: The "Confederate Army" refers to the combined land forces that fought for the Confederate States of America (the South) during the American Civil War (1861–1865). It was the primary military opponent of the Union Army.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • General Robert E. Lee commanded the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.
  • The Confederate Army fought to defend the institution of slavery and states' rights.
  • Many battles were won by the Confederate Army in the early years of the war.

Advanced Usage

• "the Confederate forces": A synonymous term often used interchangeably with "Confederate Army" to describe the Southern military.
  • The Confederate forces were often outnumbered and had fewer resources.
• "the Army of the Confederate States of America": The formal, full name of the military organization.
  • Official records are kept under the name Army of the Confederate States of America.

Variants and Related Words

• Confederacy (n): The short name for the Confederate States of America, the political entity for which the army fought.
  • Eleven states seceded to form the Confederacy.
• Rebel / Rebels (n, informal): A common informal term used, especially by those in the Union, to refer to Confederate soldiers or the army.
  • The Rebel army retreated after the battle.
• Union Army (n): The opposing army of the United States (the North) during the Civil War.
  • The Union Army ultimately prevailed in the war.

Synonyms

• Southern army: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its geographic association.
• The Gray (n, historical): A nickname derived from the color of many Confederate uniforms.

Related Phrases

• To serve in the Confederate Army: The phrase used to describe a person's military service for the Confederacy.
  • His great-great-grandfather served in the Confederate Army.

Noun

1. the southern army during the American Civil War