bashi-bazouk

[ bash-ee-buh-zook ]
/ ˌbæʃ i bəˈzuk /

noun

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

Origin of bashi-bazouk

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

British Dictionary definitions for bashibazouk

bashibazouk
/ (ˌbæʃɪbəˈzuːk) /

noun

(in the 19th century) one of a group of irregular Turkish soldiers notorious for their brutality

Word Origin for bashibazouk

C19: from Turkish başibozuk irregular soldier, from bas head + bozuk corrupt