condottiere

 
Pronunciation: /ˌkɒndɒˈtjɛːreɪ, -ri/

noun (plural condottieri pronunc. )

historical
  • a leader or member of a troop of mercenaries, especially in Italy.

Origin:

Italian, from condotto 'troop under contract', from condotta 'a contract', from condurre 'conduct', from Latin conducere (see conduct)