Zouave

[ zoo-ahv, zwahv ]

noun
  1. (sometimes lowercase) one of a former body of infantry in the French army, composed originally of Algerians, distinguished for their dash, hardiness, and picturesque uniform.

  2. a member of any body of soldiers adopting a similar dress and drill, especially a soldier serving in any of certain volunteer regiments in the American Civil War.

Origin of Zouave

1
1820–30; <French <Arabic zawāwah, probably <Berber igowawen, the name of a Berber group

Words Nearby Zouave

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British Dictionary definitions for Zouave

Zouave

/ (zuːˈɑːv, zwɑːv) /


noun
  1. (formerly) a member of a body of French infantry composed of Algerian recruits noted for their dash, hardiness, and colourful uniforms

  2. a member of any body of soldiers wearing a similar uniform or otherwise modelled on the French Zouaves, esp a volunteer in such a unit of the Union Army in the American Civil War

Origin of Zouave

1
C19: from French, from Zwāwa, tribal name in Algeria

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