spahi

American  

[spah-hee] / ˈspɑ hi /

Or spahee

noun

plural

spahis

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

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

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of spahi

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

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

Weary after a ride of several hours over a very irregular country, and not expecting any chance that night, I enjoined my spahi to keep a good watch, and lay down.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

Loti was not pleased, and to make amends I spoke about those books of his which I preferred, the "Roman d'un Spahi," "Mon Fr�re Yves," and "Propos d'Exil."

From Project Gutenberg

Banfi was already fighting with his eighth Spahi, who like the seven others was at last overcome by the Baron's extraordinary dexterity.

From Project Gutenberg