Zouave

[ zoo-ahv, zwahv ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

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.

Zouave

/ zwɑːv; zuːˈɑːv /

(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

Origin of Zouave¹

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

Origin of Zouave¹

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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