hussar

American  

[hoo-zahr] / hʊˈzɑr /

noun

1. (originally) one of a body of Hungarian light cavalry formed during the 15th century.

2. a member of a class of similar troops, usually with striking or flamboyant uniforms, in European armies.

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hussar British  

/ hʊˈzɑː /

noun

1. 1. a member of any of various light cavalry regiments in European armies, renowned for their elegant dress

   2. ( pl; cap when part of a name )

      the Queen's own Hussars

2. a Hungarian horseman of the 15th century

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Etymology

Origin of hussar

1525–35; < Hungarian huszár < Serbo-Croatian hȕsār brigand, pirate < Medieval Latin cursārius corsair

Explanation

A hussar is a member of a lightly armored cavalry in Europe known for their elegant uniforms. Originally, the hussars were Hungarian cavalrymen in the 15th century, but other Europeans thought they were super cool and began to wear fancy uniforms and ride horses, too. Since then, the term has been used for any kind of horsemen that resembled the original. The word hussar comes from a Serbian variant of the word pirate. Hussars don’t steal, but like pirates, they have awesome outfits.

Example Sentences

Thus Ashley devotes a chapter to the tall-tale-like exploits of Brigadier Gerard, a vainglorious but lovable Napoleonic hussar.

From Washington Post • Jun. 8, 2016

And in shocking breach of Elysée protocol, which at the time banned trousers for women as evening wear, Bardot arrived dressed as a Napoleonic hussar.

From The Guardian • Sep. 20, 2014

At Melikhovo, Chekhov was a lavish host, dressed up as a hussar to amuse his guests, flirted with his sister's pretty friend "Lika" Mizinova.

From Time Magazine Archive

But when Sergei Bubka thunders down the runway with the zeal of a mounted hussar about to drive his lance through a peasant yeoman, people are apt to do strange things.

From Time Magazine Archive

What a contrast!—how unlike the smart hussar, with curling locks and fierce mustache!

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol III, No 13, 1851 by Various