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ataman

American  
[at-uh-muhn] / ˈæt ə mən /

noun

plural

atamans
  1. the elected chief of a Cossack village or military force.


ataman British  
/ ˈætəmən /

noun

  1. an elected leader of the Cossacks; hetman

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of ataman

1825–35; < Russian atamán, Old Russian vatamanŭ, probably alteration of a Turkic word with the personal suffix -man; identity of initial element disputed

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He was a man of great beauty and extraordinary strength, thanks to which he had the rank of kuren ataman.

From With Fire and Sword An Historical Novel of Poland and Russia. by Sienkiewicz, Henryk

It was evident that he was too sure of his ataman.

From With Fire and Sword An Historical Novel of Poland and Russia. by Sienkiewicz, Henryk

"The Grand Hetman has sent our ataman to the prince to ask for assistance; so he has gone to Lubni, and he has commanded us to go along through the villages to catch deserters."

From With Fire and Sword An Historical Novel of Poland and Russia. by Sienkiewicz, Henryk

The koshevoi ataman is our brother and sincere friend.

From With Fire and Sword An Historical Novel of Poland and Russia. by Sienkiewicz, Henryk

They entered boldly enough, especially the chief of them, the ataman Sukhaya Ruk�, distinguished through the victory of Kors�n and his new rank of colonel.

From With Fire and Sword An Historical Novel of Poland and Russia. by Sienkiewicz, Henryk