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Dec 9, 2009
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—H

Hussars

Matthias Corvinus compelled every twenty families to provide him with one horse-soldier free of all charge. This was in 1458, and in confirmation of this story we are told that huss is an Hungarian word meaning “twenty,” and that ar means “pay.”

When Matthias Corvinus succeeded to the crown of Hungary (1458), Mohammed III. and Frederick III. conspired to dethrone “the boy king”; but Matthias enrolled an army of Hussars, and was able to defy his enemies.

“Item si contigerit ut aliqui predones aut huzarii Hungari aliquam rapinam ... intulerínt...” —A clause in a truce between the Turks and George Brankovich, May 21st, 1449.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Hussites
Hushai
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