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Impi

2 stages from Zulu to English.

Today it means a Zulu regiment or armed fighting band, especially in historical warfare

Where does the word "impi" come from? It comes from Zulu impi, adopted directly into English (1860s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
impi
Zulu · 1700s
"an armed band, a war party"
a Nguni word for war or combat, applied to any body of men gathered for fighting
2
Stage 2 of 2
impi
English · 1860s
"a Zulu regiment or body of warriors"
picked up by British soldiers and writers during 19th-century conflicts with the Zulu kingdom
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