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The phrase francs-tireurs was used to describe irregular military formations deployed by France during the early stages of the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871) and from that usage it is sometimes used to refer more generally to guerrilla fighters who fight outside the laws of war[1][2]. The term was revived and used by French partisans (partly communists, partly patriots) to describe the French Resistance movements set up by the French against the Germans during World War II[3].