spahi

American  

[spah-hee] / ˈspɑ hi /

Or spahee

noun

spahis plural

1. one of a body of Algerian cavalry in the French service.

2. (formerly) a cavalryman in the Turkish army.

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spahi British  

/ ˈspɑːiː, ˈspɑːhiː /

noun

1. (formerly) an irregular cavalryman in the Turkish armed forces

2. a member of a body of native Algerian cavalrymen in the French armed forces: disbanded after Algerian independence

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Etymology

Origin of spahi

First recorded in 1555–65; from Middle French, from Turkish sipahi, from Persian sipāhī; cf. sepoy

Example Sentences

I presume that monsieur wishes to see as much of the country as possible," he said; "and I shall be enchanted to place at monsieur's disposal horses, and my servant and a spahi as guides.

From In the Yule-Log Glow, Book I Christmas Tales from 'Round the World by Morris, Harrison S. (Harrison Smith)

I was accompanied by a native of the country and my spahi, one carrying my carbine, the other my old gun.

From The International Monthly, Vol. II, No. I December 1, 1850 by Various

My spahi, like me, was in range of the shadow, while the Arab lay snoring ten paces off in the full light of the moon.

From The International Monthly, Vol. II, No. I December 1, 1850 by Various

"Go in," said the commandant, and the spahi opened the door.

From The Turquoise Cup, and, the Desert by Smith, Arthur Cosslett

"Will your horse stand, corporal?" he asked of the spahi.

From The Turquoise Cup, and, the Desert by Smith, Arthur Cosslett