1. Plural of ataman; leaders or commanders of Cossack military units or communities, particularly in Eastern Europe and Russia.
Usage: historical; often capitalized when referring to specific historical figures or titles

Examples

• The atamans of the Zaporozhian Cossacks were elected by their warriors.
• Several atamans led rebellions against the Russian Empire in the 17th century.
• The atamans governed their communities with considerable autonomy.
• Historical records describe the atamans as skilled military strategists.
• Different atamans controlled various regions along the Don and Dnieper rivers.