Why is a soldier of the lowest rank called private?

[GreyC]

Hi,

I wonder if anybody could answer my question? And how does the originial meaning of the Latin word "set apart", "deprived" connect to that?

Thank you!

GreyC

Edited 1 December , 2022 by GreyC

[Ivor Anderson]

From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_(rank)

"The term PRIVATE derives from the medieval term "private soldiers" (a term still used in the British Army), contrasting mercenary soldiers and denoting individuals who were either exclusively hired, conscripted, or mustered into service by a feudal nobleman commanding a battle group of an army,"

i.e. the nobleman privately funded them and they were for the noble's exclusive use - belonged to that particular person - like 'private property'.

 

Edited 1 December , 2022 by Ivor Anderson

[GreyC]

Thank you very much,

should have looked up the English Wikipedia version myself. Didn´t think of it. Sorry!

GreyC