The term Cossack is probably derived from a word which is found in many languages of the same root and which means [I]free man[/I], or [I]without attachment[/I], by extension wanderer or adventurer. It is originally a martial man living nomadic, a soldier of the steppes. Cossacks are often described as mercenaries, border guards, steppe guides, protectors of merchants or diplomats, but also and especially looters attacking villages and caravans. Cossacks gradually became soldiers of the Empire, gendarmes of the Tsar, becoming the most effective arm of the government.