Hessian

UK: /ˈhɛsiən/ US: (hesh′ən)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

Hes•sian  (hesh′ən), adj. 

1. Place Names of or pertaining to the state of Hesse or its inhabitants.

n. 

2. a native or inhabitant of Hesse.
3. American History a Hessian mercenary used by England during the American Revolution.
4. a hireling or ruffian.
5. (l.c.) burlap.
6. Furniture Also called Hes′sian and′iron. (in the U.S.) an andiron having as an upright the figure of a Hessian soldier of the Revolutionary War.

• Hesse, Germany + -ian 1670–80

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

Hessian / ˈhɛsɪən/ noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Hesse
2. a Hessian soldier in any of the mercenary units of the British Army in the War of American Independence or the Napoleonic Wars
3. any German mercenary in the British Army during the War of American Independence
4. a mercenary or ruffian

adjective

1. of or relating to Hesse or its inhabitants

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

hessian / ˈhɛsɪən/ noun

1. a coarse jute fabric similar to sacking, used for bags, upholstery, etc

Etymology: 18th Century: from Hesse + -ian