ETYM French rebelle.
One who rebels; SYN. revolutionary, insurgent.

1. To break with established customs; SYN. renegade.
2. To take part in a rebellion; renounce a former allegiance; SYN. arise, rise, rise up.

ETYM French rebelle, from Latin rebellis. Related to Rebel.
Participating in organized resistance to a constituted government; SYN. rebelling, rebellious.
Used by northerners of Confederate soldiers.

(Informal) 'johnny' was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; 'grayback' derived from their gray Confederate uniforms; Also called: Reb, Johnny Reb, Johnny, grayback.