chasseur

Chasseur is a French noun meaning hunter. In addition to its literal sense, the term appears in several specialized contexts, including military, culinary, and cultural usage. The word derives from the verb chasser, “to chase.”

In military terms, chasseur historically referred to light troops in the French armed forces. Chasseurs à pied were light infantry, valued for mobility and skirmishing, while chasseurs à cheval were light cavalry. These units played prominent roles in 18th- and 19th-century warfare and influenced the development of light-armed corps in various European armies.

In cuisine, à la chasseur or chasseur-style preparation denotes a hunter’s dish. A typical hunter-style sauce or dish features ingredients associated with woodland cooking, such as mushrooms and shallots, and is often finished with a wine or stock-based sauce. The preparation is commonly paired with game meats, poultry, or fish, and can vary by region and recipe.

Other uses include its role as a surname in French-speaking areas and its appearance in cultural and historical contexts, such as regimental names, literature, and film titles that reference “the hunter.” The term remains widely recognized due to its clear connection to hunting and its historical association with mobile, adaptable military units.