1. a leader of a band of mercenary soldiers in medieval and Renaissance Italy
Usage: historical

Examples

• The condottiere commanded a company of professional soldiers for hire.
• Many Italian city-states employed condottieri to fight their wars.
• Francesco Sforza was a famous condottiere who became Duke of Milan.
• The condottiere’s loyalty often shifted based on who paid the most.
• Renaissance Italy was known for its powerful condottieri and their armies.
• The condottiere negotiated contracts with different rulers throughout his career.