The Collaborative International Dictionary
Camisard \Cam"i*sard\, n. [F.] One of the French Protestant insurgents who rebelled against Louis XIV, after the revocation of the edict of Nates; -- so called from the peasant's smock (camise) which they wore.
Wikipedia
Camisards were Huguenots (French Protestants) of the rugged and isolated Cévennes region of south-central France, who raised an insurrection against the persecutions which followed the Edict of Fontainebleau in 1685. The revolt by the Camisards broke out in 1702, with the worst of the fighting through 1704, then scattered fighting until 1710 and a final peace by 1715.
The name camisard in the Occitan language is variously attributed to a type of linen smock or shirt known as a camisa that peasants wear in lieu of any sort of uniform; camisada, in the sense of "night attack", is derived from a feature of their tactics.
Eventually the name Black Camisard came to refer to Protestants, while White Camisards (also known as "Cadets of the Cross") were Catholics organized to check the blacks. Both groups were known for committing atrocities.
Usage examples of "camisard".
Seven leagues above the Roc de Malpertuis, Castenet, the forest ranger and Camisard leader, after considering matters with his lieutenants, detached a posse of men, armed with a few muskets, a sabre or two, pitchforks and psalms, with orders to assault the place called Lassignac and return with two females of the faith.
They were replaced by Camisards from the posse to watch out for the dragoons.
Too alarmed to struggle, both women had their elbows bound behind, one of the Camisards pricking the younger female's buttocks to hurry her down.
Again the blonde nodded and Lacombe despatched a young Camisard to lead the blacksmith out.
At the same time, Brissac was booted in, his implements in hand while several Camisards took charge of the two propitiatory victims dragging them down to the now sunlit yard, Elodie being stripped of her nightgown.
Encouraged by several Camisards, Joanne finally agreed to risk the perilous journey with her, along with Florence and three others.
What would have pleased them even more, had they known it, was that Cavalier and his Camisards had that very day defeated the royal forces - or Moabites and Philistines, as he called them - at Devois de Martignargues.
And, having learned of the blonde whore's role in the recent disaster caused by the Camisards at the expense of the Marquise and her poor, innocent Anthea, he charitably undertook to prepare the slender homecomer for Anthea's imminent vengeance.
In the beginning of the present century, the example of the Circumcellions has been renewed in the persecution, the boldness, the crimes, and the enthusiasm of the Camisards.
In the beginning of the present century, the example of the Circumcellions has been renewed in the persecution, the boldness, the crimes, and the enthusiasm of the Camisards.