Russian edit

Etymology edit

A back-formation from Uzbek bosmachi, from bosma (raid) + the agent suffix -chi. It was conceived as a plural form by Russian and the final vowel was dropped to create a singular form.

Pronunciation edit

Noun edit

басма́ч (basmáčm anim (genitive басмача́, nominative plural басмачи́, genitive plural басмаче́й)

  1. mujahid (a Muslim engaging in jihad, Central Asia during 1917–26)
  2. Basmachi (Muslim anti-Bolshevik fighter in Central Asia during 1917-26)
  3. (humorous, endearing) a term of endearment, commonly used in reference to young people

Declension edit