minute-man

Definition

Noun: A "minute-man" (plural: minute-men) refers to a member of the American colonial militia during the American Revolutionary War who was prepared to fight on a minute's notice, i.e., ready for immediate action.

Usage Examples

• (A colonial militia member ready for rapid deployment.)
• (People portraying these historical figures.)

Advanced Usage

• "Minute-man" as a historical symbol: The term is often used to represent the ideal of a citizen-soldier who is always prepared to defend liberty.
  • The statue of a minute-man in Concord, Massachusetts, commemorates the first battle of the Revolutionary War.

Variants and Related Words

• Minuteman (n): The more common modern spelling, often written as one word.
  • The Minuteman National Historical Park preserves the site of the battle.

Synonyms

• Militiaman: a member of a military force composed of ordinary citizens.
• Volunteer soldier: a person who serves in the military by choice, not by conscription.

Related Idioms

• Ready at a moment's notice: prepared to act instantly.
  • The emergency response team is ready at a moment's notice, like the minute-men of old.