Cossack
Pronunciation: /ˈkɒsak/
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Definition of Cossack
noun
The Cossacks had their origins in the 14th century, when refugees from religious persecution, outlaws, and escaped serfs banded together in settlements for protection. Under the tsars they were allowed considerable autonomy in return for protecting the frontiers and participating in military campaigns; with the collapse of Soviet rule Cossack groups have reasserted their identity in both Russia and Ukraine
adjective
Origin:
from Russian kazak from Turkic, 'vagabond, nomad'; later influenced by French Cosaque (see also Kazakh)