1. citizen militia units in England from the 16th to 18th centuries, trained for local defense
Usage: historical

Examples

• The London trainbands were called upon to defend the city during the Civil War.
• Local trainbands consisted of ordinary citizens who trained on weekends.
• The trainbands served as the primary defense force for many English towns.
• Members of the trainbands were required to provide their own weapons and equipment.
• The trainband system was eventually replaced by more professional military forces.
• During times of crisis, the trainbands could be mobilized quickly to protect their communities.