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cuirassier

American  
[kweer-uh-seer] / ˌkwɪər əˈsɪər /

noun

  1. a cavalry soldier wearing a cuirass.


cuirassier British  
/ ˌkwɪərəˈsɪə /

noun

  1. a mounted soldier, esp of the 16th century, who wore a cuirass

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of cuirassier

From French, dating back to 1545–55; cuirass, -ier 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The cuirassier then turned his head and gazed at George; but he spoke not a word.

From The Pl?biscite or, A Miller's Story of the War by Chatrian, Alexandre

The sword, at that time, was the only weapon of the cuirassier cavalry, excepting their pistols; but by mutual agreement these last were not to be used.

From The White Gauntlet by Reid, Mayne

On the cuirassiers, who were cut to pieces in that battle, being reorganized, it was observed to Napoleon that Lieutenant Rusiecki was not the height for a cuirassier.

From The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 3, October, 1851 by Various

James Ballantyne got me one very handsome bright steel cuirassier of Queen Elizabeth's time, and two less perfect, for �20—dog cheap; they make a great figure in the armory.

From Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Volume 6 by Lockhart, J. G. (John Gibson)

The cuirassier captain, dismounted by the shock, in another instant lay sprawling upon the grass; while his horse, with trailing bridle, continued his onward gallop, wildly neighing as he went.

From The White Gauntlet by Reid, Mayne