grande muette

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French

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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Literally, [the] great silent one. (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ɡʁɑ̃d mɥɛt/
  • Audio:(file)

Noun

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la grande muette f (plural grandes muettes)

  1. (France) army, armed forces
    • 2023 October, Allan Popelard, “L'armée, miroir d'une France sans boussole”, in Le Monde diplomatique, page 1:
      La fin de la guerre froide ainsi que l’efficacité de la dissuasion nucléaire ont longtemps justifié une réduction des moyens humains et matériels de la Grande Muette.
      The end of the Cold War as well as the effectiveness of nuclear deterrence have long justified a reduction of staffing and materiel in the armed forces.