Etymology

Noun

1. An Ottoman (Turkish empire) cavalryman, especially as recruited under a land-based system.

   • 2001: ‘I hear that the great Sadiki Bey illustrated a copy of Strange Creatures, commissioned by an Uzbek spahi cavalryman, for only forty gold pieces.’ — Orhan Pamuk, My Name Is Red, tr. Erdağ M Göknar

2. A soldier in a mainly Arab-recruited cavalry (originally horse, later light armored) regiment in French colonial service in (former/ in name still) Ottoman North African provinces

Etymology