dragoon
pronunciation
How to pronounce dragoon in British English:
UK [drəˈgu:n]
How to pronounce dragoon in American English:
US [drəˈɡun, dræ-]
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- Noun:
- a member of a European military unit formerly composed of heavily armed cavalrymen
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- Verb:
- compel by coercion, threats, or crude means
- subjugate by imposing troops
Word Origin
- dragoon (n.)
- 1620s, from French dragon "carbine, musket," because the guns the soldiers carried "breathed fire" like dragons (see dragon). Also see -oon.
- dragoon (v.)
- 1680s, literally "to force by the agency of dragoons" (which were used by the French kings to persecute Protestants), from dragoon (n.). Related: Dragooned; dragooning.
Example
- 1. This one is dedicated to the royal dragoon guards .
- 2. The dragoon officers and foker clapped their hands furiously .
- 3. " Sir , " said the valet de chambre , entering the room , " a dragoon has brought this despatch from the minister of the interior . "
- 4. Some declare that a blast of trumpets sounding the charge was heard in the direction of the arsenal others that a blow from a dagger was given by a child to a dragoon .
- 5. However , as he was a favorite with cucumetto , as he had for three years faithfully served him , and as he had saved his life by shooting a dragoon who was about to cut him down , he hoped the chief would have pity on him .