Cossack

[ kos-ak, -uhk ]

noun

1. (especially in czarist Russia) a person belonging to any of certain groups of Slavs living chiefly in the southern part of Russia in Europe and forming an elite corps of horsemen.

Cossack

/ ˈkɒsæk /

noun

1. (formerly) any of the free warrior-peasants of chiefly East Slavonic descent who lived in communes, esp in Ukraine, and served as cavalry under the tsars

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the Cossacks

   a Cossack dance

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cossack¹

1590–1600; < Polish kozak or Ukrainian kozák, ultimately < a Turkic word taken to mean “adventurer, freebooter,” adopted as an ethnic name by Turkic tribal groups of the Eurasian steppes

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cossack¹

C16: from Russian kazak vagabond, of Turkic origin

Example Sentences

As for the Cossack equipment, the early 16th century horsemen between the Dnieper and the Don were typically armed with the lance, saber, and sometimes bow.

From Realm of History

Essentially, the Ukrainian Cossack host that roamed and inhabited the region below the Dnieper rapids was called the Zaporozhian Cossacks.

From Realm of History

These republics stemmed directly from the 19th century Ukrainian romantic national movement that reassessed the impact of the Cossack past, fuelling the development of an identity centring on a distinct language, culture, and history.

From No Straight News

The decision maker turned out to be a gray-haired Cossack ataman, or commander, in a traditional sheepskin hat.

From The Daily Beast

Subject has military bearing, short haircut, brought a military uniform or wears the Cossack chevron insignia.

From The Daily Beast

The archetype of the disobedient Cossack who will not stoop to intimidation remains an important part of Ukrainian identity.

From The Daily Beast

The ghoul that keeps Putin awake at night is a Ukrainian Cossack.

From The Daily Beast

Yet this was not enough for the Tsars, who saw a risk of the Cossack worldview catching on.

From The Daily Beast

To use an expression of M. Gravier's, she was "ugly enough to chase a young Cossack" in 1814.

From Project Gutenberg

He is passionately fond of horses, “me much Cossack” he said, whereupon I proposed a ride.

From Project Gutenberg

Another cause may be sought in the Cossack assaults on the Jews at an earlier period.

From Project Gutenberg

The Cossack had stepped forward two or three paces and was walking by the next couple.

From Project Gutenberg

But she showed no devotion, in which she was not singular, old people and Cossack officers excepted.

From Project Gutenberg