Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

turcopole

noun

/ˈtərkəˌpōl/

Definition

A turcopole is a term used in historical contexts to refer to a light cavalryman of the Eastern Roman or Byzantine armies, particularly employed during the Crusades.

Examples

During the Crusades, the turcopoles played a crucial role in reconnaissance missions.
The turcopoles often engaged in skirmishes with enemy forces, leveraging their speed and maneuverability.

Meaning

The word turcopole is derived from the Greek ‘tōrckopolia’, which characterizes a soldier who acted as light cavalry, often of mixed origin, in service to the Christian states during the Crusades.