uhlan
or u·lan
[oo-lahn, yoo-luh n]
- one of a group of lancers in a light-cavalry unit, first appearing in Europe in the Polish army.
- one of such a group as later developed into heavy cavalry in western European armies, especially in Germany.
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Origin of uhlan
1745–55; < German < Polish ulan ≪ Turkish oğlan boy, lad
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for uhlan
Historical Examples
The uhlan came on at a very quick pace, carrying some dispatches.
A Comedy of Marriage and Other TalesGuy De Maupassant
"And I think he was a Uhlan," went on Jimmie, pointing to other tracks.
Boy Scouts Mysterious SignalG. Harvey Ralphson
It was the exclamation of the Uhlan who had stopped them in the afternoon.
The Boy Scouts on the TrailGeorge Durston
He bowed gravely to the Uhlan lieutenant, who saluted stiffly.
The Boy Scouts on the TrailGeorge Durston
"I have no confidence in Uhlan officers," said her spouse, darkly.
LorraineRobert W. Chambers
uhlan
ulan
- history a member of a body of lancers first employed in the Polish army and later in W European armies
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Word Origin
C18: via German from Polish ulan, from Turkish ōlan young man
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for uhlan
n.
"cavalryman," 1753, from German Uhlan, from Polish ułan "a lancer," from Turkish oghlan "a youth." For sense evolution, cf. infantry.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper