hussar

American  

[hoo-zahr] / hʊˈzɑr /

noun

1. (originally) one of a body of Hungarian light cavalry formed during the 15th century.

2. a member of a class of similar troops, usually with striking or flamboyant uniforms, in European armies.

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hussar British  

/ hʊˈzɑː /

noun

1. 1. a member of any of various light cavalry regiments in European armies, renowned for their elegant dress

   2. ( pl; cap when part of a name )

      the Queen's own Hussars

2. a Hungarian horseman of the 15th century

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Etymology

Origin of hussar

1525–35; < Hungarian huszár < Serbo-Croatian hȕsār brigand, pirate < Medieval Latin cursārius corsair

Explanation

A hussar is a member of a lightly armored cavalry in Europe known for their elegant uniforms. Originally, the hussars were Hungarian cavalrymen in the 15th century, but other Europeans thought they were super cool and began to wear fancy uniforms and ride horses, too. Since then, the term has been used for any kind of horsemen that resembled the original. The word hussar comes from a Serbian variant of the word pirate. Hussars don’t steal, but like pirates, they have awesome outfits.

Example Sentences

It was escorted by members of the Hussar Regiment in blue uniforms with red jackets.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 4, 2024

The Last Hussar exhibition is on at the National Army Museum in London until 28 January 2022.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2022

Hussar, a self-described moderate, voted for Democrat Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012 before casting a ballot for third-party candidate Gary Johnson in 2016, rather than for Clinton or Trump.

From Reuters • Nov. 13, 2019

But now, the Gay Hussar is up for sale, and suddenly its supporters are legion.

From New York Times • Feb. 24, 2015

All this was legitimate, and the Hussar might or might not have been deceived by it.

From Flags: Some Account of their History and Uses. by Macgeorge, Andrew