noun
- Plural of askari; soldiers or police officers, especially those recruited from East Africa during the colonial period or in modern African nations.
Usage: historical; often used in reference to colonial military forces
Examples
- The British colonial forces relied heavily on askaris recruited from local populations.
- Askaris served in various capacities throughout East African military history.
- The regiment was composed of experienced askaris from Kenya and Uganda.
- During the colonial era, askaris maintained order in the territories.
- Many askaris were trained in military discipline and tactics.