light infantry
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Bedbugs or fleas.
Register: archaic, slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Our bed was a waterproof sheet on the bare stone-floors, and as the convent swarmed with fleas of all sizes, from the heavy dragoon down to the light infantry, there was no fear of a sentry sleeping on his post.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “light infantry” mean?
Bedbugs or fleas.
Is “light infantry” formal or informal?
light infantry is generally archaic, slang.