\Zouave\ (?; 277), n. [F., fr. Ar. Zouaoua a tribe of
Kabyles living among the Jurjura mountains in Algeria.]
(Mil.)
(a) One of an active and hardy body of soldiers in the French
    service, originally Arabs, but now composed of Frenchmen
    who wear the Arab dress.
(b) Hence, one of a body of soldiers who adopt the dress and
    drill of the Zouaves, as was done by a number of
    volunteer regiments in the army of the United States in
    the Civil War, 1861-65.