ma·quis 
(m
ă-k
ē)
n. pl. maquis 1. An area covered by a dense growth of chiefly evergreen shrubs and small trees, characteristic of Mediterranean coastal regions.
2. Maquisa. A member of the French underground organization that fought against the German occupation forces during World War II; a member of the Resistance. Also called Maquisard.
b. This French underground organization.
[French, from Italian macchie, pl. of macchia, thicket, spot; see MAQUETTE.]