Hessian

[ hesh-uh n ]

/ ˈhɛʃ ən /

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

a native or inhabitant of Hesse.

a Hessian mercenary used by England during the American Revolution.

a hireling or ruffian.

(lowercase) burlap.

Also called Hessian andiron. (in the U.S.) an andiron having as an upright the figure of a Hessian soldier of the Revolutionary War.

Origin of Hessian

1670–80; Hesse, Germany + -ian

half-Hes·sian, adjective

Born in the Hessian village of Rhina in 1916, Friedel was the youngest of 16 close-knit siblings and first cousins.

Survived Hitler, Returned to Germany |Steve North |May 25, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
At one point the coach driver whipped the horses into a gallop and drove right through the Hessian army.

Beethoven in Love: The Woman Who Captivated the Young Composer |John Suchet |January 26, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
A Hessian muttered something in German, and Grant dropped the point of his sword with an oath.

My Lady of Doubt |Randall Parrish
Desiring arrangements to be made for the subsistence of the Hessian recruits.

The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Volume X (of 12) |Various

I served my time with the Hessian dragoons before I came to Strasburg.

The Garden of Swords |Max Pemberton
The Hessian boots with curved front and tassel at the top were still worn.

Dress design |Talbot Hughes
“You have been served just right,” remarked the intruder with the Hessian boots.

The Goose Man |Jacob Wassermann

hessian

/ (ˈhɛsɪən) /

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

C18: from Hesse + -ian

Hessian

/ (ˈhɛsɪən) /

a native or inhabitant of Hesse

a Hessian soldier in any of the mercenary units of the British Army in the War of American Independence or the Napoleonic Wars
US any German mercenary in the British Army during the War of American Independence

mainly US a mercenary or ruffian

of or relating to Hesse or its inhabitants