Partisan

The name given to small corps detached from the main body of an army, and acting independently against the enemy. In partisan warfare much liberty is allowed to partisans. Continually annoying the flanks and rear of columns, they intercept convoys, cut off communications, attack detachments, and endeavor to spread terror everywhere. This kind of warfare is advantageously pursued only in mountainous or thickly-wooded districts. In an open country, cavalry very readily destroys partisans. The Spanish race make active partisans. The party is called guerrilla , the partisan a guerrillero .