Zouave

[zoo-ahv, zwahv]

noun

(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.
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

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for zouave

Historical Examples of zouave

A zouave, for whom there was none left, sobbed like a child in his disappointment.
The Downfall
Emile Zola
"Seen and heard the Zouave," rejoined the young girl, laughing.
The Son of Monte-Cristo, Volume I (of 2)
Alexandre Dumas pre
"Vicomte, I did not say that," cried the Zouave, embarrassed.
The Son of Monte-Cristo, Volume II (of 2)
Alexandre Dumas pre
A strange mishap was that which befell the gunboat "Zouave."
The Naval History of the United States
Willis J. Abbot.
She heard the music of a bugle, and wished she were a Zouave safe in barracks.
The Mission Of Mr. Eustace Greyne
Robert Hichens

British Dictionary definitions for zouave

Zouave

noun

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

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for zouave

1848, from French, from Arabic Zwawa, from Berber Igawawaen, name of a Kabyle tribe in Algeria, from which the French light infantry troops of that name were originally recruited in 1831.