1. Members of a fascist paramilitary organization, especially the Italian Fascist militia under Mussolini in the early 20th century.
Usage: historical; often capitalized; plural form
2. Members of any fascist or far-right paramilitary group wearing black uniforms.
Usage: historical; often capitalized; plural form

Examples

• The blackshirts were a key part of Mussolini's rise to power in Italy.
• Historical accounts describe the blackshirts' violent tactics against political opponents.
• The blackshirts wore distinctive black uniforms as part of their fascist identity.
• Many blackshirts were recruited from unemployed workers and war veterans.
• The organization of the blackshirts served as a model for other fascist movements in Europe.