1. French soldiers, especially infantrymen, who fought in World War I.
Usage: plural of poilu; historical; often used with reference to WWI combat experience

Examples

• The poilus endured brutal trench warfare on the Western Front.
• Many poilus were decorated for their bravery during the Battle of Verdun.
• The memoirs of poilus provide vivid accounts of life in the trenches.
• French generals relied on the courage of the poilus to hold their defensive lines.
• Historians have studied the letters written by poilus to understand their experiences.