I. |bärbə|resk adjective
Etymology: French, from Italian barbaresco, from Barbaria, Barberia Barbary, coastal region of northern Africa + Italian -esco -esque
1. usually capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of Barbary
2. : barbaric in style
barbaresque architecture
II. noun
( -s )
Usage: capitalized
: one of the natives of Barbary formerly noted for their piratical activity
seventy thousand peasants huddled together because it had not been safe to remain out for fear of the barbaresques — Bernhard Berenson