Grenadier

/ˌɡrɛnəˈdɪr/ noun

Definition

A soldier originally trained to throw grenades, later a tall elite infantryman in European armies.

Etymology

From French 'grenadier' (grenade thrower), from 'grenade' (pomegranate-shaped bomb), from Spanish 'granada' meaning pomegranate—the early grenades resembled the fruit in shape.

Kelly Says

The tallest soldiers became grenadiers because height gave them the strength to throw grenades farther, so military recruiters literally screened for height—possibly the most literal 'tall order' in military history.

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