spahi

or spa·hee

[ spah-hee ]

noun

, plural spa·his.

1. one of a body of Algerian cavalry in the French service.
2. (formerly) a cavalryman in the Turkish army.

spahi

/ ˈspɑːiː; ˈspɑːhiː /

noun

1. (formerly) an irregular cavalryman in the Turkish armed forces
2. a member of a body of native Algerian cavalrymen in the French armed forces: disbanded after Algerian independence

Word History and Origins

Origin of spahi¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Middle French, from Turkish sipahi, from Persian sipāhī; sepoy

Word History and Origins

Origin of spahi¹

C16: from Old French, from Turkish sipahi, from Persian sipāhī soldier; see sepoy

Example Sentences

As soon as Mole was mounted, the chief spahi gave the word, and the imposing cavalcade set off at a quick trot.

From Project Gutenberg

Already Banfy was fighting with the eighth spahi who, like all the rest, gave way before his extraordinary dexterity.

From Project Gutenberg

Instead of a single blanket, the Spahi trooper has a half a dozen variegated saddle-cloths, very spectacular, if not useful.

From Project Gutenberg

No great function, local or otherwise, is complete without a fantasia, and here the Spahi is at his uncontrolled best.

From Project Gutenberg

The fantasia is the classic diversion and showing-off pace of Algerias Spahi cavalry.

From Project Gutenberg