Zouave

American  

[zoo-ahv, zwahv] / zuˈɑv, zwɑv /

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.

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Zouave British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of Zouave

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

Example Sentences

He is wearing the uniform of the Zouave, elite units of the French Army that borrowed their tactics and uniform style from Algerian fighters.

From Slate • Mar. 26, 2013

When he’d taken command of the 11th Indiana volunteers, he’d resolved to train and outfit his men in the manner of the Zouave.

From Slate • Mar. 26, 2013

A Zouave who sustained minor injuries after being shot in the belt buckle represented the lone Union casualty.

From Slate • Mar. 26, 2013

He puts us on the exact street where the Daisy Bar sat in Montmartre, gives us the heavy smell of an eau de toilette called Zouave.

From Time Magazine Archive

He also sends him a drawing of a Zouave, a French soldier, which amazes Bernard.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman