The word “soldier” entered Middle English from the French soudier, meaning “one who performs military service for pay” (Late Latin soldarius, from soldus/solidus, a gold coin; compare Spanish soldado, Italian soldato, German Soldat). The German Soldat became generally established in the 17th century as a term for a man who bound himself to a warlord by service contract and an oath of enlistment, and who in return received regular pay (German Sold; MHG solt from the …