Forms: 6–7 spachi, 7 spahei, 7–8 spahy, 7–9 spahee, 7– spahi. [ad. Turkish (Persian) sipāhī: see SEPOY.]
1. A horseman forming one of a body of cavalry that formerly constituted an important part of the Turkish army and was to some extent organized on a feudal basis. Now Hist.
1562. J. Shute, trans. Cambini’s Turk. Wars, 53. The Spachi, and other ordres of horsemen.
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., II. xix. 53. Hys Spachis, or other officers.
1617. Moryson, Itin., I. 217. It happened that a Spachi (or Horse-man vnder the great Turkes pay) … suddenly turned towards vs.
1634. Sir T. Herbert, Trav., 71. The Great Turke … gaue … treasure there, to the Ianizaries and Spaheis.
1728. Eliza Heywood, trans. Mme. de Gomez’s Belle A. (1732), II. 255. A large Body of Janizaries, with other Infantry, join’d to a considerable Number of Spali’s, which are reputed the best Cavalry in the Empire.
1773. Gentl. Mag., XLIII. 457. When the Russian columns advanced … they were furiously assailed by the Spahis that were in ambuscades.
1816. Byron, Siege Corinth, xxii. Tartar, and Spahi, and Turcoman, Strike your tents, and throng to the van.
c. 1828. Landor, Imag. Conv., Wks. 1876, VI. 150. Every sort of dress that janisary and spahi … ought to put on in gala.
1854. Church, Misc. Ess. (1891), I. 352. The Spahis of the house of Othman reared that blood-red banner.
2. A native Algerian horseman serving under the French government.
1863. Kinglake, Crimea, II. xvi. 270. In the morning he had ridden forward, escorted by a few Spahis, to reconnoitre the ground with his own eyes.
1864. J. Ormsby, Autumn Rambles in N. Africa, 214. The Spahis, on the other hand, are a highly-organised and efficient body.
1867. ‘Ouida,’ Under Two Flags, II. 49. His height rose far above the French soldiers, and above most even of the lofty-statured Spahis.
