barbaresque

1 of 2

adjective

bar·​ba·​resque

¦bärbə¦resk

1

usually capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Barbary Coast

2

: barbaric in style

barbaresque architecture

Barbaresque

2 of 2

noun

"

plural -s

: one of the natives of the Barbary Coast formerly noted for their piratical activity

seventy thousand peasants huddled together because it had not been safe to remain out for fear of the Barbaresques

—Bernhard Berenson

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French, from Italian barbaresco, from Barbaria, Barberia Barbary, coastal region of northern Africa + Italian -esco -esque

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