impi
1
9.9
A Zulu warrior who fights for the community or king
- noun
- /ˈɪm.pi/
- South African
:
guerrero
- The chief called upon every impi to defend the land from invaders.
Examples
-
A lone impi stood guard at the village entrance through the night.
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An impi is known for its fierce loyalty.
-
Stories of the brave impi are still told among the Zulu people today.
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The impi marched bravely into battle.
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The chief called upon every impi to defend the land from invaders.
-
A lone impi stood guard at the village entrance through the night.
-
The impi marched bravely into battle.
Synonyms
infantryman
vsimpi
9
6.3
A soldier who fights on foot in the army
is part of a traditional Zulu fighting force rather than a general infantry unit
Surface Forms
Etymology
Impi comes from the Zulu word that means 'war' or 'battle'. It can also mean one warrior who is part of that fighting group, so an impi can be a member of a traditional Zulu fighting force.