An informal abbreviation for cavalry, the soldiers who fight on horseback.
A shortened form of 'cavalry,' which comes from Italian 'cavalleria' and ultimately from Latin 'caballus' meaning 'horse.' Military abbreviations became common in the 20th century, especially in written orders and informal communication among soldiers.
Military slang often shortens words for speed and practicality—'cav' was essential in wartime communications when every second counted. You'll see this same pattern with 'inf' for infantry and 'arty' for artillery in military shorthand.
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