E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Infantry.
Foot soldiers. Said to be first applied to a body of men collected by the Infante or heir-apparent of Spain for the purpose of rescuing his father from the Moors. The success of the attempt rendered the corps popular. (Spanish, infanteria; Italian, fanteria; fante means a servant.)
