n. & v.
n. 1 a cavalryman (orig. a mounted infantryman armed with a carbine). 2 a rough fierce fellow. 3 a variety of pigeon.
v.tr. 1 (foll. by into) coerce into doing something, esp. by use of strong force. 2 persecute, esp. with troops.
[ orig. = carbine (thought of as breathing fire) f. F dragon DRAGON ]