Zouave

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A member of a French infantry unit known for their colorful uniforms and distinctive drill movements
2. originally, a soldier from Algeria who incorporated local customs into military practices
3. characterized by their light infantry tactics, often deployed in various military campaigns throughout the 19th century

Etymology: The word "zouave" comes from the Arabic "zawāwiyy", a term tied to the Zawiya, a religious brotherhood in North Africa. The name passed into French as "zouave" and, through French, into English. It was first applied to a corps of soldiers recruited from the Kabyle people of Algeria, who were formed into light infantry units by the French army after the conquest of Algeria. The name's Arabic origin is the surprising part: a religious and regional title became the label for a distinctive military unit. The French adopted the Kabyle troops for their agility and fighting style, and their colorful uniforms, loose trousers and short jackets inspired imitations across Europe and America. Soldiers in such units came to be called zouaves in English as well.

Synonyms: soldier, infantryman, light infantry, rifleman, scout