1. Plural of kavaas; armed attendants or guards, especially in Ottoman or Middle Eastern contexts; officers or soldiers serving as bodyguards or enforcers.
Usage: historical; often used in reference to Ottoman Empire officials or Middle Eastern administrative systems

Examples

• The Ottoman official was accompanied by several kavasses who maintained order in the marketplace.
• Kavasses served as both protectors and enforcers of the law in provincial towns.
• The sultan's kavasses were known for their distinctive uniforms and ceremonial roles.
• Historical records describe kavasses as essential members of the administrative hierarchy.