Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
hessian /ˈhɛsɪən/ n - a coarse jute fabric similar to sacking, used for bags, upholstery, etc
Etymology: 18th Century: from Hesse + -ian Hes•sian (hesh′ən),USA pronunciation adj. - Place Namesof or pertaining to the state of Hesse or its inhabitants.
n. - a native or inhabitant of Hesse.
- American Historya Hessian mercenary used by England during the American Revolution.
- a hireling or ruffian.
- (l.c.) burlap.
- FurnitureAlso called Hes′sian and′iron. (in the U.S.) an andiron having as an upright the figure of a Hessian soldier of the Revolutionary War.
- Hesse, Germany + -ian 1670–80
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
Hessian /ˈhɛsɪən/ n - a native or inhabitant of Hesse
- a Hessian soldier in any of the mercenary units of the British Army in the War of American Independence or the Napoleonic Wars
- US any German mercenary in the British Army during the War of American Independence
- chiefly US a mercenary or ruffian
adj - of or relating to Hesse or its inhabitants