ataman [at-uh-muh n] ExamplesWord Origin noun, plural at·a·mans.
- the elected chief of a Cossack village or military force.
Origin of ataman 1825–35; Russian atamán, Old Russian vatamanŭ, probably alteration of a Turkic word with the personal suffix -man; identity of initial element disputed Examples from the Web for ataman Contemporary Examples of ataman
The decision maker turned out to be a gray-haired Cossack ataman, or commander, in a traditional sheepskin hat.
Held at Gunpoint by Ukraine Rebels
Anna Nemtsova
May 31, 2014
Historical Examples of ataman
The common saying, “Bear patiently, Cossack; you will one day be Ataman!”
Donald Mackenzie Wallace
In a moment we found ourselves surrounded by them, while a path in front was stopped by the Ataman.
Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine, Vol. 53, No. 331, May, 1843
Various
If I had not entered into conversation with the Ataman, we should have been riddled with balls at the first movement.
Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine, Vol. 53, No. 331, May, 1843
Various
The younger is the Ataman himself; the elder is his father, an old soldier of the first campaigns of Nicholas.
Various
But Sinbad, being a man of humane temper, thinks that the sport has gone far enough, and appeals to the Ataman to stop it.
Various
British Dictionary definitions for ataman ataman noun plural -mans
- an elected leader of the Cossacks; hetman
Word Origin for ataman from Russian, from Polish hetman, from German Hauptmann (literally: head man)