<P> The term derives from the medieval term `` private soldiers '' ( a term still used in the British Army ) , denoting individuals who were either hired , conscripted , or mustered into service by a feudal nobleman commanding a battle group of an army . The usage of `` private '' dates from the 18th century . </P>
<P> The term derives from the medieval term `` private soldiers '' ( a term still used in the British Army ) , denoting individuals who were either hired , conscripted , or mustered into service by a feudal nobleman commanding a battle group of an army . The usage of `` private '' dates from the 18th century . </P>
where did the rank of private come from
where did the rank of private come from
from the medieval term `` private soldiers ''
from the medieval term `` private soldiers ''