bashi-bazouk
[ bash-ee-buh-zook ]
/ ˌbæʃ i bəˈzuk /
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noun
(formerly) one of a class of irregular mounted troops in the Turkish military service.
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Origin of bashi-bazouk
First recorded in 1850–55, bashi-bazouk is from the Turkish word başι-bozuk civilian, irregular, originally, leaderless, not attached (to a regular military unit), literally, (one) whose head (is) broken
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
British Dictionary definitions for bashi-bazouk
bashibazouk
/ (ˌbæʃɪbəˈzuːk) /
noun
(in the 19th century) one of a group of irregular Turkish soldiers notorious for their brutality
Word Origin for bashibazouk
C19: from Turkish başibozuk irregular soldier, from bas head + bozuk corrupt
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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