lascar Definition
a sailor or militiaman from South Asia, Southeast Asia, or East Africa who served on European ships from the 16th century to the early 20th century.
Using lascar: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lascar" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The lascar crew members were often treated poorly and paid less than their European counterparts.
Example
Lascars were an integral part of the British merchant navy during the colonial era.
Example
Many lascars settled in port cities like London and Liverpool after leaving the sea.
lascar Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with lascar
a term used to describe the area in Cardiff, Wales where many lascars lived and worked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
Example
The Lascar Row Heritage Centre in Cardiff tells the story of the city's South Asian community.
a type of flintlock pistol that was popular among lascars in the 18th and 19th centuries
Example
The lascar pistol was known for its distinctive design and intricate engravings.
Example
The lascar trap is made from bamboo and is used to catch fish in shallow waters.
Origins of lascar
from Persian 'lashkar', meaning 'army'
Summary: lascar in Brief
'Lascar' [lahs-kahr] refers to sailors or militiamen from South Asia, Southeast Asia, or East Africa who served on European ships from the 16th century to the early 20th century. They were often treated poorly and paid less than their European counterparts. The term extends into phrases like 'lascar row,' denoting the area in Cardiff where many lascars lived and worked.
