[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

zouave \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.
       1913 webster

Zouave >> Z Words
Zouave, definition of term: Zouave
zouave_pag1.html