Hessian

[ hesh-uhn ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the state of Hesse or its inhabitants.

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Hesse.
2. a Hessian mercenary used by England during the American Revolution.
3. a hireling or ruffian.
4. (lowercase) burlap.
5. Also called Hes·sian and·i·ron [hesh, -, uh, n , and, -ahy-ern]. (in the U.S.) an andiron having as an upright the figure of a Hessian soldier of the Revolutionary War.

Hessian

¹

/ ˈhɛsɪən /

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Hesse
2. 1. a Hessian soldier in any of the mercenary units of the British Army in the War of American Independence or the Napoleonic Wars
   2. any German mercenary in the British Army during the War of American Independence
3. a mercenary or ruffian

adjective

1. of or relating to Hesse or its inhabitants

hessian

²

/ ˈhɛsɪən /

noun

1. a coarse jute fabric similar to sacking, used for bags, upholstery, etc

Other Words From

• half-Hes·sian adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hessian¹

1670–80; Hesse, Germany + -ian

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hessian¹

C18: from Hesse + -ian

Example Sentences

Blinding bolts stabbed down like Hessian bayonets.

From Literature

That Hessian meant to kill him.

From Literature

Nate crept closer until he could see that the hand was attached to a man—the Hessian.

From Literature

The Hessian’s eyes seemed to grab hold of Nate’s, forcing him to look.

From Literature

Finally he picked up the Hessian’s musket and bayonet and put it over his shoulder.

From Literature