from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Militant \Mil"i*tant\, a. [L. militans, -antis, p. pr. of
militare to be soldier: cf. F. militant. See {Militate}.]
Engaged in warfare; fighting; combating; serving as a
soldier. -- {Mil"i*tant*ly}, adv.
[1913 Webster]
At which command the powers militant . . .
Moved on in silence. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
{Church militant}, the Christian church on earth, which is
supposed to be engaged in a constant warfare against its
enemies, and is thus distinguished from the church
triumphant, in heaven.
[1913 Webster]