Bonaght

/ˈbɒnɑxt/ noun

Definition

An Irish historical military class of armed men maintained by local chiefs, who could be called upon for defense or raids.

Etymology

From Irish Gaelic bonacht or buannacht, meaning 'soldiers' or 'mercenaries,' referring to professional warriors supported by local Irish lords.

Kelly Says

The bonaght system allowed Irish chiefs to maintain standing armies centuries before European feudalism formalized this model—Irish military organization was sophisticated and distinctive, later partially absorbed into English administrative structures.

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