buffalo soldier

noun

1. (formerly, especially among American Indians) a Black soldier.

Word History and Origins

Origin of buffalo soldier¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; from the kinky hair, thought by the Indians to resemble that of a buffalo

Example Sentences

Classic lowriders, a salute to the buffalo soldiers and a celebration of the humble Jewish delicatessen lead our April list of exhibitions across Southern California.

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In World War II, Dasani’s great-grandfather was a buffalo soldier, a term that Native Americans used in the 19th century to describe Black troops, and one that stuck.

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Shine’s research led him to Franklin, who was one of few buffalo soldiers to later settle in Portland.

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To learn more about the buffalo soldiers and their history in the Pacific Northwest, check out these museums, along with online resources.

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In his book “In Search of the Racial Frontier,” Dr. Quintard Taylor, professor emeritus of history at the University of Washington, explains that in addition to protecting white settlers, the buffalo soldiers protected other inhabitants.

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