hessian Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (19th century) a man's high tasseled boot
    Hessian boot; Wellington boot; jackboot; Wellington.

WordNet

Hes"sian adjective
Definitions
  1. Of or relating to Hesse, in Germany, or to the Hessians.
Hes"sian noun
Definitions
  1. A native or inhabitant of Hesse.
  2. A mercenary or venal person. U. S. ✍ This use is a relic of the patriot hatred of the Hessian mercenaries who served with the British troops in the Revolutionary War.
  3. pl. See Hessian boots and cloth, under Hessian, a.

Webster 1913