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.

Zouave

/ zwɑːv; zuːˈɑːv /

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Zouave¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Zouave¹

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

Example Sentences

Louis Napoleon, struggling at Sedan, could not have heard the zouave battle-cry with more complete satisfaction than they do now.

From Project Gutenberg

The Zouave was getting up steam next day as the dejected Tartarin had just stepped into the captain's long-boat, when, lo!

From Project Gutenberg

One day the captain of the Zouave came across him in the town, and showed him a note about himself in a Tarascon newspaper.

From Project Gutenberg

As the boat pulled off to the Zouave, the camel jumped into the water and swam after it, and was taken aboard.

From Project Gutenberg

A zouave was standing near—one of those fugitive soldiers who were in no haste to rejoin their commands.

From Project Gutenberg