Dragooned

/dræˈɡuːnd/ verb

Definition

Forced or coerced into military service; conscripted against one's will; persuaded or compelled through intimidation.

Etymology

From 'dragoon' (French 'dragon,' a type of cavalry soldier) used as a verb. Dragoons became notorious for forcibly recruiting soldiers, making their name synonymous with coercion.

Kelly Says

The word 'dragoon' as a verb literally means 'to conscript by violence'—it comes from actual historical cavalry units that would ride into villages and forcibly recruit men, making it one of English's most sinister verbs that sounds almost cute.

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