A Settler is a unit in Civilization. It is the first unit that each civilization begins with, which founds its first city. Thereafter it can be used to build roads, irrigation ditches, defensive fortresses, and other things necessary (or at least so deemed by the game) for a civilization. A Settler unit can be ordered to found another city, whereupon the unit disbands to become the founding members of the new city.
Settlers are replaced by Engineers, which are more efficient in their work.
The Settler icon of the original game is a covered wagon -- talk about a Western bias!
The Settler icon of Civilization II is a man with a long-handled farming/building implement. Less Western, but more overtly sexist.
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