Cosacks

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Members of a group known for their military skill and semi-autonomous communities in Eastern Europe especially Russia and Ukraine; historically recognized as cavalry soldiers and border guards during the Tsarist period; often characterized by a distinctive culture and traditions
2. Light cavalry units originating from the steppes of Eastern Europe noted for their horsemanship and role in frontier defense; social groups maintaining unique customs and governance under imperial rule; regarded as symbols of freedom and martial prowess
3. Warriors belonging to autonomous tribes in regions of Russia and Ukraine famed for agile cavalry tactics and semi-independent status; culturally distinct communities with their own customs and dress; historically serving as military auxiliaries and frontier settlers

Etymology: "Cosacks" is a plural spelling of "Cossack," a variant of the more common form. The word comes from a Turkic term, "qazaq," which meant something like "free man," "adventurer," or "one who has left his master." It passed into Slavic languages, becoming Russian "kazak" and Polish "kozak," before reaching English.

Synonyms: Cossacks