DCHP-1 Online
Fenian † [alteration of Irish Gaelic. feinne, pl. of fiann band of Fenians; cp. Feni ancient people of Ireland] Hist. 
n. a member of a militant secret brotherhood of Irish-Americans and their sympathizers in Canada, advocates of Irish independence, who sought to advance their cause by attacking Canada, carrying out abortive raids in 1866, 1870, and 1871.
See also: Hunters' Lodge
- 1865 Every mail brings us tidings of the organization and arming of Fenians and Orangemen in all the chief cities of Upper Canada.
- 1870 To squelch these Fenian scamps right out / Would glorify our nation.
- 1963 Bumptious Fenians, operating out of bases in the United States, seemed determined once again to attempt the conquest of Canada.
- 1865 Every mail brings us tidings of the organization and arming of Fenians and Orangemen in all the chief cities of Upper Canada.