Carbineers

Carbineers, or CARABINEERS, meant formerly light horsemen, used chiefly to watch and harass the enemy, defend narrow passes, and act as skirmishers. A corps under this name was raised in France in 1560; but the designation is no longer used in that country. In the English army, all cavalry were at one time often styled carbineers, but now there is only one regiment, the 6th Dragoon Guards, known by this title; and the distinction between them and other heavy cavalry is merely nominal.