bashi-bazouk

[ bash-ee-buh-zook ]

noun

1. (formerly) one of a class of irregular mounted troops in the Turkish military service.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bashi-bazouk¹

First recorded in 1850–55, bashi-bazouk is from the Turkish word başι-bozuk civilian, irregular, originally, leaderless, not attached (to a regular military unit), literally, (one) whose head (is) broken

Example Sentences

Even a bashi-bazouk must have quailed before that amazing declaration and that patient resignation to fate.

From Project Gutenberg

There is something about him as exotic as a samovar, as essentially un-American as a bashi-bazouk, a nose-ring or a fugue.

From Project Gutenberg

The sand of the desert, Seti's breath and the tail of his yelek made the coat of Bashi-Bazouk like silk.

From Project Gutenberg

Failure would seem to have been inevitable, but the pluck and enterprise of the ex-Bashi-bazouk overcame all difficulties.

From Project Gutenberg

Compared with Albania, London, even now in the eyes of the ex-Bashi-bazouk, is a vast and uncivilised wilderness.

From Project Gutenberg