1
: a member of a French infantry unit originally composed of Algerians wearing a brilliant uniform and conducting a quick spirited drill
2
: a member of a military unit adopting the dress and drill of the Zouaves
Word History
Etymology
French, from Arabic dialect (Algeria) Zwāwa, Berber tribal confederation of Kabylia
First Known Use
1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near Zouave
Cite this Entry
“Zouave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Zouave. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.
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