miles gloriosus

== English == === Etymology === Borrowed from Latin mīles (“soldier”) + glōriōsus (“glorious”). === Noun === miles gloriosus (plural milites gloriosi) (literary, performing arts) A standard character in ancient comedy and in modern comedy depicting ancient military figures: the bravado-filled, self-important, swaggering soldier. ==== Usage notes ==== Miles Gloriosus was the title of a comedic work by the Roman playwright Plautus (circa 254–184 BCE). Notably used as the name of a blustering military general in the comedic play and subsequent motion picture A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1962 and 1966, respectively). === References === “miles gloriosus”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.