The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word SPAHI
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More clues leading to the result SPAHI
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The cryptic/wordplay part
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What does SPAHI mean?
SPAHI noun- (history) An Ottoman (Turkish empire) cavalryman, especially as recruited under a land-based system.
- (history) A soldier in a mainly Arab-recruited cavalry (originally horse, later light armored) regiment in French colonial service in (former/ in name still) Ottoman North African provinces