Etymology

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Sense of cavalry soldier attested 1640, mounted policeman 1858 (Australia), state policeman 1911 (US). The sense of "one who endures adversity" comes from English , 1959, but through assimilation with the sense of "soldier" has come to be usually spelled "trooper".

Noun

1. A soldier of private rank in cavalry or armour. Abbreviated Tpr.
2. A cavalry horse; charger.
3. A soldier.
4. A troopship.

   He was a real trooper about taking care of the kids for the weekend.

5. A state trooper.
6. One who endures adversity or hardship with an attitude of stoicism and persistence.

Synonyms

cavalryman, horse soldier, crewman, armoured soldier, armored soldier zipperhead