Cipayes (en. Sepoys)

/si.pa.je/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Cipayes refers to Indian soldiers, often employed by the British in the army.
The cipayes played a crucial role during the Revolt of 1857.
Les cipayes ont joué un rôle crucial lors de la Révolte de 1857.
The term cipayes can also refer to Indian troops recruited for colonial service.
The cipayes served in various military campaigns.
Les cipayes servaient dans différentes campagnes militaires.
Cipayes is also used to refer to certain groups of soldiers within the Indian army.
Many cipayes were from northern India.
De nombreux cipayes étaient originaires du nord de l'Inde.

Etymology

Comes from the Hindustani word 'sipahi', which means soldier.

Common Phrases and Expressions

the cipayes of the British Empire
Referred to the Indian soldiers serving under British rule.
les cipayes de l'Empire britannique
Sepoy Rebellion
A key event in Indian history in 1857, also known as the first war of independence.
révolte des cipayes

Related Words

army
Military organization of a country.
armée
colonial
Related to colonialism or the colony.
colonial
revolt
Uprising against established authority.
révolte

Slang Meanings

Used in an outdated manner to refer to an unreliable soldier.
He is called a cipayes because he fled during the battle.
On l'appelle un cipayes, car il a fui pendant la bataille.
Pejorative term to refer to someone who switches sides.
He became a cipayes in political discussions.
Il est devenu un cipayes dans les discussions politiques.