dragoon

[ druh-goon ]

noun

1. (especially formerly) a European cavalryman of a heavily armed troop.
2. a member of a military unit formerly composed of such cavalrymen, as in the British army.
3. (formerly) a mounted infantryman armed with a short musket.

verb (used with object)

1. to set dragoons or soldiers upon; persecute by armed force; oppress.
2. to force by oppressive measures; coerce:

   The authorities dragooned the peasants into leaving their farms.

dragoon

/ drəˈɡuːn /

noun

1. (originally) a mounted infantryman armed with a carbine
2. sometimes capital a domestic fancy pigeon
3. 1. a type of cavalryman
   2. ( pl; cap when part of a name )

      the Royal Dragoons

verb

1. to coerce; force

   he was dragooned into admitting it

2. to persecute by military force

Derived Forms

• draˈgoonage, noun

Other Words From

• dra·goonage noun
• undra·gooned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dragoon¹

1615–25; < French dragon, special use of dragon dragon, applied first to a pistol hammer (so named because of its shape), then to the firearm, then to the troops so armed

Word History and Origins

Origin of dragoon¹

C17: from French dragon (special use of dragon ), soldier armed with a carbine, perhaps suggesting that a carbine, like a dragon, breathed forth fire

Example Sentences

She was the daughter of a peasant of Livonia, married a Swedish dragoon, who was killed on the same day in battle.

From Project Gutenberg

How little the light-hearted dragoon guessed what those two had endured together!

From Project Gutenberg

In the following year a dragoon was similarly sentenced by court-martial to be branded on the tongue.

From Project Gutenberg

The dragoon drew from his bosom a large letter with a red seal, and respectfully offered it to the officer.

From Project Gutenberg

The dragoon ascended the steps of the piazza, and had barely time to touch the outer door, when it opened to his admission.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cause
• charge
• compel
• demand
• drag
• drive
• impose
• inflict
• limit
• make
• move
• oblige
• order
• press
• pressure
• require
• restrict
• urge