sepoy Hear it!

sepoy Definition

se·poy (sē′po̵i)

noun

Historical a native of India serving in a European army, esp. the British army

Etymology: Port sipae < Hindi & Pers sipāhī < sipāh, army

sepoy Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • call: The Sepoy Rebellion was begun by Indian soldiers, called sepoys, in the army of the East India Company.

Adjective modifier

  • mutinous: The conflict was short and sharp, the mutinous Sepoys preferring flight to the wrath of their enemies.
  • wounded: On the way down he helped a wounded sepoy under heavy fire and assisted in carrying him to safety.

Modifies a noun

  • battalion: Sir Harry Smith's Division, which consisted of the 31st, the 50th and four sepoy battalions was on the right.