Etymology From troop + -er, from French troupe. The sense of “one who endures adversity” comes from trouper (“member of an acting troupe”) but through assimilation with the sense of “soldier” has come to be usually spelled “trooper”.
She was built by William Denny & Bros. Ltd., and launched in 1939, but went immediately on active service as a trooper.1947 January and February, “Notes and News: New Southern Channel Steamer”, in Railway Magazine, page 49:
He was a real trooper about taking care of the kids for the weekend.
Because his father and brothers were in the department, he had to be. She knew he was never really comfortable with the job but still he did it like a trooper.2005, Justin Watral, Firehouse 101, page 272:
Etymology From troop + -er, from French troupe. The sense of “one who endures adversity” comes from trouper (“member of an acting troupe”) but through assimilation with the sense of “soldier” has come to be usually spelled “trooper”.
1
To work as a trooper.
Maybe I should quit troopering and hire on with Global Harvest.2009, Dana Stabenow, Whisper to the Blood, →ISBN, page 153:
2
To work steadily at an unpleasant job without complaint.
Carrie handed out tools, helped hold a measuring tape, and troopered on where she could,2011, G. Robert Jones, Discard, →ISBN, page 111:
But she troopered on, plastering a smile on her face and giving her a warm greeting and inwardly reminded herself that Ms. Madeleine was of no threat to her, as if she had a fear of Jack-in-the-boxes.2013, C.A. McJack, Fate's Twisted Circle - Volume 2, →ISBN, page 120: