arab legion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low Frequency (Historical/Specialist Term)Historical, Academic, Military History
Quick answer
What does “arab legion” mean?
The regular army of Transjordan and later the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, founded in 1920 by British Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Peake and significantly expanded by John Bagot Glubb (Glubb Pasha). It served as the primary military force of Jordan until 1956 and was renowned for its discipline and effectiveness, largely composed of Arab volunteers and commanded by British officers until Arabization.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The regular army of Transjordan and later the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, founded in 1920 by British Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Peake and significantly expanded by John Bagot Glubb (Glubb Pasha). It served as the primary military force of Jordan until 1956 and was renowned for its discipline and effectiveness, largely composed of Arab volunteers and commanded by British officers until Arabization.
A historical military force that played a crucial role in the politics and conflicts of the Middle East during the British Mandate and early post-colonial period. It symbolizes both British imperial military organization in the region and the foundation of the modern Jordanian Armed Forces (the Arab Army).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English due to the UK's direct historical role in its creation and command. American usage is almost exclusively within academic or specialist military history contexts.
Connotations
In British historical context, may connote colonial military administration and a successful 'imperial policing' force. In broader contexts, it connotes a professional, British-trained Arab army during the Mandate era.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage. Appears in history books, documentaries, and specialised discussions on the Middle East, the Arab-Israeli conflict, or the history of Jordan.
Grammar
How to Use “arab legion” in a Sentence
[The] Arab Legion + past tense verb (fought, participated, was deployed)[Subject] + served in/commanded/joined + the Arab LegionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arab legion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The unit was **Arab Legion-led** in the operation.
- He was **Arab Legion-trained**.
American English
- The strategy was **Arab Legion-inspired**.
- They were **Arab Legion-equipped**.
adverb
British English
- The position was defended **Arab Legion-style**, with disciplined fire.
American English
- They fought **Arab Legion-fashion**, with emphasis on logistics.
adjective
British English
- He studied the **Arab Legion** archives in London.
- The **Arab Legion** commander reported to Amman.
American English
- Her research focuses on **Arab Legion** tactics.
- A former **Arab Legion** officer wrote the memoir.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, and Middle Eastern studies texts discussing the British Mandate, the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, or state formation in Jordan.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be mentioned in historical documentaries or by history enthusiasts.
Technical
Used in military history literature to describe the organisation, campaigns (e.g., the Siege of Jerusalem in 1948), and structure of this specific force.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arab legion”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arab legion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arab legion”
- Using 'Arab Legion' to refer to modern Jordanian forces (now the Jordanian Armed Forces).
- Using it in present tense (it was disbanded/renamed in 1956).
- Confusing it with the 'French Foreign Legion' or other 'Legion' names.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It was renamed the Jordanian Arab Army in 1956 after King Hussein dismissed the British officers, including Glubb Pasha. This army is the direct predecessor of today's Jordanian Armed Forces.
The Arab Legion was established during the British Mandate for Transjordan. Britain provided funding, training, and leadership as part of its imperial policy, seeing it as a stabilizing force loyal to the Hashemite ruler and British interests.
Yes. It was considered the most disciplined and effective Arab force in that war. It engaged Jewish forces in Jerusalem and the West Bank, succeeding in securing the eastern parts of Palestine (the West Bank) for Jordanian annexation.
Lieutenant-General Sir John Bagot Glubb, known as Glubb Pasha, was the British commander of the Arab Legion from 1939 to 1956. He is credited with its significant expansion, professionalisation, and effectiveness, making it a key political-military institution in Jordan.
The regular army of Transjordan and later the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, founded in 1920 by British Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Peake and significantly expanded by John Bagot Glubb (Glubb Pasha). It served as the primary military force of Jordan until 1956 and was renowned for its discipline and effectiveness, largely composed of Arab volunteers and commanded by British officers until Arabization.
Arab legion is usually historical, academic, military history in register.
Arab legion: in British English it is pronounced /ˈær.əb ˈliː.dʒən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈer.əb ˈliː.dʒən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a proper noun.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Arab' for the region and 'Legion' for a large, organised military unit. Connect it to Jordan's history: the 'Arab Legion' was the 'Legion' that founded the Jordanian 'Arab' Army.
Conceptual Metaphor
An Instrument of State-Building / A Bridge: Metaphorically, it was an instrument used by the British to maintain order and by King Abdullah I to build Jordanian state sovereignty. It acted as a bridge between British colonial military practice and independent Jordanian national institutions.
Practice
Quiz
What was the primary historical role of the Arab Legion?